tip Travel magazine Croatia 006 (English edition) 06-07/2014

ISSN: 1849-059X

EN

Number 6 • Year II • June - July 2014.

24 hours

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Weekend trip

Sisak Lošinj Sv. Nedelja & Sv. Ivan Zelina

WIN:

T I C K E TS Summer festivals & pe

rformances

Dinner in the Sky®

BOOKS

Labin & Rabac

Issue topic

Other topics:

The Netherlands:

Daruvar • Opatija • Đurđevac • Croatian Zagorje

Amsterdam June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

1

Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa Ltd. Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel: +385 1 2348 488 mob: +385 91 7958 016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 EU VAT Number: HR21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

IBAN: HR4524020061100663844

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Designer: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates in this issue: Alma Radoš, Vlatka Vužić, Sanja Plješa, Romana Bunčić, Andreja Milas, Ivica Jujnović Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: Tip Kreativa Ltd. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, fotolia Cover page: Labin photo archive: Labin Tourist Board

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor or author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden. All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the text is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. The editor cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

2

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Editorial

Travel, win...

W

hile recently reading a travel site, I came across an often quoted sentence, which St. Augustine wisely wrote long ago: "The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only the first page." This one sentence says a lot. So, don't wait for a "better tomorrow" and head out (or continue) discovering the magical world of travel, various cultures, customs, and experiences, for which you often don't have to travel very far from home. We also continued "reading our book" and in this issue, we bring you stories from various regions of Croatia: from Istria, where we visited mystical Labin and picturesque Rabac, through the fragrant island of Lošinj and always attractive Opatija. The tame hills of Sv. Nedelja and Sv. Ivan Zelina, the fun events in the hills of Zagorje, and the still inadequately explored continental towns of Daruvar and Sisak, as well as Đurđevac, where you will also find the "Croatian desert", are just some of the topics that we believe will be reason enough to turn another "page of your book". We also headed off to Amsterdam, whose flower fairy tale is always best in spring.

The upcoming summer is also the time of festivals, so we bring you an overview of the largest ones in Croatia, but also some tickets for you :-)! Find out more on pages 102-105. Since Zagreb is hosting the unique "Dinner in the Sky®" project in June, we will help some of you experience that, and everyone else sill gets a 10 percent discount off of all the offered packages for this spectacular event (find out more on page 48)! Keep on sending us your photos from your trips, and we will keep gifting you with guides and books from our publishing partners (find out more on pages 100101). Together, let's keep on giving and helping those who currently need help the most. The eastern part of Croatia, our pearl of tourism - Slavonia, and neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia were hit by catastrophic floods in mid-May, and thousands of people lost their homes. Let's show our solidarity and big hearts, we can help in many ways. Find out more at: www.hck.hr, and the telephone number for donations is 060 90 11.

Thank you, dear travelers! Željka Kunštek

All issues of tipTravel magazine can be found in English and Croatian at... tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge. It is published in English and Croatian, and it is aimed at domestic and foreign tourists, travel aficionados. In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations. The last part of the magazine is dedicated from topics around the world.

www.tiptravelmagazine.com If you like the magazine, feel free to Like it on Facebook... :-) Thanks!

SIGN UP Click the 'sign up' button and sign up for our newsletter :)

www.issuu.com/tiptm

More info can be found at www.tiptravelmagazine.com, where you can also find a direct link to all the issues. The magazine can be read on all computers, tablets, and smartphone devices via the program solutions offered by Issuu. com. A new version of the 'Issuu' application has been developed for Android devices. Other than using Issuu on iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch), the magazine can also be downloaded free of charge in the AppStore, where the application has additional interactive features to enable an even higher quality reading experience. To find it, simply type in "tiptravel" in the AppStore.

Along with active links inside the magazine (that lead to certain web sites, videos and virtual tours), additional interactivity is enabled to all iOS Newsstand application users (on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices): - a fullscreen preview is available for all photos marked with a magnifying glass - slideshow - integrated video

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

3

Content The importance and quality of tipTravel magazine in the online promotion of Croatian tourism has been recognized and recommended to readers, tourists, by:

10-21

06-07/2014

38-41

52-59

ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS IN CROATIAN HOSPITALITY

Croatian Camping Union

24-31

8-9 NEWS CROATIA 10-21 BLUE CROATIA Labin & Rabac: The magic of green and blue Istria 22-23 TIPS4YOU 24-31 WEEKEND TRIP - Lošinj Island: Rest on the island of vitality

38-41 24 HOURS - Sisak 44-47 EVENTS - Zagreb: Cest is d'Best 48-49 ATTRACTION Dinner in the Sky® Get a 10% discount...

50-51 HISTORICAL TRACES Maksimir Park

32-35 INTERVIEW 52-59 170th ANNIVERSARY Šime Klarić, President of Opatija: The colors of summer on the Opatija Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savezthe National Association of Croatian Youth Hostel Association Small and Family Hotels: Riviera Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez rvatski ferijalni iHrvatski hostelskiferijalni savez i hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez oatian Youth Hostel Association Croatian YouthHostel Hostel Association Small hotels - carriers of new Croatian Youth Association Croatian Youth Hostel Association trends in tourism 60 EVENTS - Crikvenica 4

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

the option to show photographs in fullscreen view is available to users of the application on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.

Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

76-79

62-67

100-101

80-81

72-75

62-67 ACTIVE VACATION - Sv. Nedelja & Sv. Ivan Zelina 68-71 EVENTS - Croatian Zagorje 72-75 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Daruvar: A holiday at the hot springs 76-79 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Đurđevac: To the city of sand dunes, legends, and "Picoki" 80-81 UNESCO - Diocletian's palace and medieval Split

114-129

82 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY Lighthouses: Sućuraj 84 CROATIA ONLINE 86-87 HEALTH TOURISM Massages Relaxation in natural wellness oases 88-89 GOURMET CROATIA Bjelovar-Bilogora County 90-93 LIFESTYLE HOMEEXCHANGE Home like a passport

96-98 TRAVEL WRITERS Gordan Nuhanović 100-101 SEND AND... WIN 102-107 CULTURAL SCENE Croatian MusicalCultural Treat 108-109 UNICEF 110-111 WORLD NEWS 114-129 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO... Amsterdam: On two wheels through "Venice of the North"

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

5

MAP OF CROATIA

Destinations in this issue

Krapina-Zagorje County Đurđevac

Scale 1 : 1 000 000

Sv. Nedelja Opatija LABIN RABAC

Sv. Ivan Zelina Zagreb

Daruvar

SISAK Crikvenica

Legend:

LOŠINJ

highway with junction motorway with junction main road (regional and local roads are not included)

Kali

Split

Sućuraj

6

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

INFO

General information on Croatia  Geographic position Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east. Its central part is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and southern ends at the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

 Surface area

The mainland covers an area of 56.594 km² and coastal waters cover a surface area of 31.479 km².

 Population

Croatia has 4,29 million inhabitants (2011.).

 Demographics

The majority of the population are Croats (90,42%), with the largest minorities being Serbs, Bosnians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Italians and Albanians.

 System of government

Croatia is a multi-party parliamentary republic.

 Capital

With 792.875 inhabitants, Zagreb is the economic, transport, cultural and academic centre of the country.

 Length of the coastline

6.278 km, of which 4.398 km is made up of island coastlines, solitary rocks and reefs.

 Number of islands, islets, solitary rocks and reefs

1.244. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 50 inhabited islands.

 Highest peak

 Power supply

 Climate:

 Drinking water

Dinara, 1.831 m above sea level.

There are three climate zones in Croatia: in the country's continental interior the prevailing climate zone is moderately continental, while the mountain climate prevails at 1200m above the sea level. The areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a large number of sunny days, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet.

The average temperatures in the continental interior are: January -2°C to 0°C, with somewhat lower temperatures in the mountains; July temperatures reach 20°C to 22˚C, and around 13˚C in the highlands.

The average temperatures in the Littoral (Adriatic Coast) are: January 5°C to 9°C and July 23°C to 26°C. Winter sea temperature is about 12°C and it reaches approximately 25°C in the summer.

 Currency:

The official currency in Croatia is the kuna.

Exchange rate (7,5 kunas ≈ 1 euro). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites.

Credit cards (Eurocard / Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.

 Number 112

Power supply: 220 V; frequency: 50 Hz Tap water is safe to drink in all of Croatia.

 Travel documents

Since 1 April 2013, the visa system of the Republic of Croatia has been fully harmonized with the visa policy of the European Union. In 2013 all foreign nationals, who are holders of valid Schengen documents, are not required to have additional (Croatian) visa to enter Croatia and a enjoy short stay. More information: www.mvep.hr/en/

 Public holidays

1 January - New Year's Day 6 January - Epiphany Easter Sunday & Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day Corpus Christi 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day 25 June - Statehood Day 5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day 15 August - Assumption Day 8 October - Independence Day 1 November - All Saints' Day 25-26 December - Christmas Holidays

 Shops and public services working hours

During the tourist season, most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and many are also open during the weekend. Public services and business offices generally work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you notice a natural, technical or technological threat or an accident which might threaten the life or well being of people, property or environment Dial 112, free of charge, 24 hours a day, from every telephone in the Republic of Croatia.

By dialling 112 you can reach emergency medical services, fire department, police department, mountain rescue, coastguard recsue, the help of other emergency services and protection and rescue operation forces.

When dialling 112 it is possible to communicate in: English, German, Italian, Hungarian, Slovakian and Check.

 Important telephone numbers

International country code for Croatia: +385; Information on international numbers: 11802; Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520 (automated service); Road traffic information: 062 777 777; Road rescue: 1987 (If you are calling from abroad or from a mobile phone dial +385 1 1987).

 Speed Limits

Within settled areas 50 km/h; outside settled areas 90 km/h; on major roads designed exclusively for motor vehicles and on highways 110 km/h; on motorways 130 km/h; for motor vehicles with a trailer without brakes 80 km/h.

Driving with dipped headlights is obligatory during winter time.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

7

CROATIA Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, Punta Skala, Petrčane - Zadar, photo: Robert Kunštek

News

The first hotels with the "Sustainable Hotel" certificate At a conference, held in early April in Zagreb, 21 hotels received "Sustainable Hotel" Certificates from the Association of Employers in Croatian Hospitality (UPUHH). Those hotels participated in the "Green Business in Hospitality" project completely designed by the UPUHH with the aim of introducing green business practices in hotels, and the project was supported by the Ministry of Tourism. A total of 21 hotels, which satisfied the set criteria, joined in on the project, and upon evaluation gained the conditions for getting this certificate. The certificates were divided into three categories: Basic, Advanced i Superior.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

www.croatiameetings.com

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Shopping as a travel experience

Largest salt-water aquarium in Croatia opened The largest salt-water aquarium in Croatia, 800 square meters in size, with 400 thousand liters of sea water, was opened in Vranjica near Solin in May. The flora and fauna of the aquarium represents the wealth of the Croatian underwater world, and the aquarium population includes, amongst other things, a stingray, octopi, muraena, lobsters, conger, small alligators, and sharks, two of which are a meter and a half long.

The aquarium is owned by the Kuzma Mariani family's "Veslo" company, which has invested around a million euro in the project so far.

8

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Rijeka, photo: Robert Kunštek

Rijeka-Dubrovnik ferry in the summer season Before the start of the summer season, the largest Croatian passenger boat line, Jadrolinija, announced the return of the ferry line from Rijeka to Dubrovnik.

The "Liburnija" ferry will take passengers from Kvarner to the far south of Croatia, and so enable a simple and unique way of getting to know Croatia, while sailing the Adriatic Sea. The line will start sailing in early June, and it will connect the ends of the Adriatic twice a week to late September.

"Shopping as a travel experience" is the name of a round table held in early May 2014 in Zagreb, where the participants tried to find the answers to the question of how to connect shopping and tourists, and whether Zagreb and Croatia could become true shopping destinations. At the event it was emphasized that, according to research from Zagreb's Institute for Tourism on visitors to Zagreb, around 40 percent of hotel guests visit shopping centers, and around 21 percent visit the stores and boutiques in the center of the city. According to the same survey, tourists expressed satisfaction with the shopping options in Zagreb, while the selection of souvenirs was rated as poor. George Reid, president of the Carmarthenshire Tourist Board in southwestern Wales, pointed out that Croatia has excellent authentic products, and it's important to package them nicely and offer them to tourists.

Visit Croatia. Share Croatia.

Tourist recognition of the Drniš area "From mill to mill" is the name of the project presented on May 20, 2014 in Drniš, which launches the stronger tourist development of the Drniš area. As a part of the project, worth 52 thousand kuna, 200 meters of trails along the canyon of the Čikola River were renovated, along with two viewpoints. However, that is just the beginning of two larger future projects, of which one is related to the development of tourism on the borders of the Krka National Park, and the other is tied to the tourist recognition of the Čikola canyon.

On the borders of the Krka NP, the goal is to promote development, primarily of country and excursion tourism, while in the Čikola canyon, amongst other things, creating freeclimbing trails, canyoning trails, two viewpoints, and cycling trails. www.croatiaweek.com

Zagreb, photo: Robert Kunštek

Mill on Roški slap, photo archive: Krka NP

Kukljica, the Island of Ugljan, photo: Robert Kunštek

As a part of the "Visit Croatia. Share Croatia." promotional campaign, which is currently underway, the Croatian National Tourist Board has launched a special website, www.ShareCroatia.hr, which will transmit pictures and videos of tourists in Croatia in real time. The campaign is based on the idea of sharing experiences tourists had on their journey through Croatia. The special feature of the campaign is that the people playing the roles of actors, directors, models, and hosts for Croatia are real people who have visited Croatia and would like to share their experiences with the entire world.

Besides acting as a relevant recommendation for future visitors, the gathered material will also be able to be used on other online platforms.

Sea Organ, Zadar, photo: Robert Kunštek

Plans for the futuristic "Zadar Gate" Plans for the development of Zadar's peninsula have gotten the green light. The "Zadar Gate" project has foreseen digging a canal from Foša to Jazine and the reconstruction of historical canals, which would turn the peninsula into an island, with three pedestrian bridges that would connect the island with the rest of the city of Zadar. The project along the canal has foreseen the construction of several bars, cafés, movie theaters, museums, concert halls, restaurants, and an amphitheater. The "Zadar Gate" was designed by Nikola Bašić, famous architect and designer of Zadar's other attractions: the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

KLM introduced a regular Zagreb - Amsterdam line KLM, the Dutch national airline, that is, its subsidiary Cityhopper, has introduced a regular line between Zagreb and Amsterdam from May 26 to October 25, 2014. KLM will fly to Zagreb with the 100-seat Embraer 190. The inaugural flight was awaited in Zagreb's Airport by, amongst other people, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Stella Ronner Grubačić, and Croatian Minister of Tourism Darko Lorencin.

At that occasion, the minister emphasized that the Netherlands are an extremely important emissive market, with more than 320 thousand tourists visiting Croatia annually.

www.croatiaweek.com

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

9

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

They are only five kilometers apart from one another and they complement each other perfectly. So, when you get your fill of walking down the narrow, charming streets and art galleries of Labin, head down to the picturesque cove in Rabac, which isn't called the "Pearl of Kvarner" for no reason.

The story of this eastern part of the Istrian peninsula truly has to be experienced...

Photo: the cove in Rabac.

10

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

LABIN & RABAC CROATIA

The magic of green and blue Istria Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Labin-Rabac Tourist Board and Robert Kunštek

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

11

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

Photos: the Schampicchio palace and parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (top left); private passageway from the palace to the church (right); the Baroque door of St. Florentius and the cannon (bottom left).

According to legend, the symbol of an open book in the lion's paws meant that the city surrendered itself to the Venetian rule without war and battle. If the lion had a closed book, it meant that a battle was fought for the town.

12

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

T

he medieval palaces, whose color under the warm sun of Labin is even more emphasized, were the first thing that caught our eye in the old center of Labin, a town located on a hill in the eastern part of Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia. That scene "forced" us to, like most tourists, take out our camera and eternalize its picturesque qualities. The photogenic powers of old Labin doesn't escape the eye of professionals, nor amateurs.

The story of palaces Start exploring the city from the main square, pass by city hall and the cannon and enter the old city through the Baroque St. Florentius' door (Porta Sanfior), above which you will see the symbol of the Venetian Republic and its government: a Venetian lion holding an

open book. Now, you will start to see the palaces of Labin, which first saw the light of day with the rise of the Venetian Republic (the early 16th century), so you will feel the Italian charm at every step in this old, stone Istrian town. One of the most famous is the Renaissance Schampicchio palace, located next to the parish church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was owned by the respected noble family of the same name, whose crest can still be seen on the faรงade. The family gave rise to many intellectuals and several mayors of Labin. The city archive was kept in this family's palace for a long time, and it also was the place of establishment of the first museum collection in Istria.

Since the family donated part of its land for the expansion of the parish church, it received permission from Pope Urban VIII to connect the palace to the church, as a

sign of gratitude. That private passage to the church is one of the most commonly photographed and painted motifs of the old town.

If you continue climbing up this stone road, only a few meters away you will come across the Baroque palace of the Battiala-Lazzarini family, which many consider to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the old part of Labin. You will recognize it for its red façade and blue windows. Today, this palace, where the crest still shows the symbols of immortality and the phoenix, houses the Labin National Museum. While there, make sure to have a look at the replica of the mine shaft and mining collection, which makes it unique in Croatia. If you have a better look at the house across from the museum, you will see a crest with the depiction of a fish. One of the oldest families in Labin, the Luciani family, lived in that house.

While wandering through the labyrinth of streets, you will also pass by the Manzini family palace, and make sure to stop at the Negri family palace, located directly next to it, which now houses the Negri Art Gastro Gallery. Come in and discover first-hand the story where art and tradition skillfully intertwine with the best of nature: olives, which, in this area, produce extra virgin olive oil, with a high percentage of natural antioxidants. Every palace has its own story, just like the 17th century church tower, the highest point of the town.

Romantic night tour You must tour Labin during the day, but be sure to duck into its streets in the evening hours. An excellent chance for a guided night tour is after June 17, 2014, when one of the main festivals "Labin Art Republic" starts. This free romantic tour will be organized until September 9, under professional guidance, every Tuesday at 9:30 PM, and the tour starts in front of the Tourist Info Point in the old town. Sentona, the goddess of Labin and patron saint of travelers, will take you through the medieval streets and reveal the historical stories of "uskoks" and town legends. It will also be an opportunity to find out exciting details from the life of famous reformer Matija VlaÄ?ić Ilirik, discover the secrets of Labin's nobility, and find out how the Liburnian goddess Sentona was

Photos: a view of Labin (top); the Labin National Museum and church of St. Stephen (middle); the 17th century church tower is the tallest point in Labin (bottom).

One of the unusual features in Labin is the fact that the bell tower is located relatively far from the parish church. It was built at the location of the oldest church in Labin, Saint Justa, of which only a wall remains.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

13

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

Photos: the Labin Art Republic (top left); at the Negri Art Gallery, you can try and buy superb wines and olive oil (top right); a scene from the picturesque streets of the old part of Labin (bottom left); a view of old Labin (bottom right).

14

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

revered in the area of Labin, and from Raša to Plomin. Proof of that lies in the Roman votive plaque from the 1st and 2nd centuries, displayed in the Labin National Museum. The tour ends in front of the Negri Art Gallery at 11 PM, and it will be conducted in English, German, Italian, Czech, and Croatian.

The experience of an "uskok" battle All who visit the "Labin Art Republic" will have the opportunity to experience the "Presentation of an uskok battle" on July 30 on the promenade of Rabac, and a day later, on July 31, on the old city square in Labin. Both start at 8 PM. We won't reveal all the legends of Labin, but we will reveal some details of the uskok battle that happened in front of the St. Florentius gates. They are based on the

most exciting medieval story of Labin, told about the night from January 19 to 20, 1599, when 600 ambushers attacked the town surrounded by a wall on the top of the hill. The group of organized attackers, who fought the Ottoman and Venetian Republics, tried to penetrate the city that was protected by only thirty soldiers and three hundred armed men.

According to legend, the outnumbered men of Labin didn't have a chance against their stronger opponent, so they decided to use trickery. They slaughtered an ox and poured its blood at the Sanfior city gates, and rolled iron-filled barrels down the steep city streets, creating a lot of deafening noise. They appeared to have a well-organized defense team, and they convinced the attackers that they had done a lot of damage to them. With only a few dead, and only one looted building, the uskoks were forced to flee. Since

January 20 is the feast day of St. Sebastian, the people of Labin considered that he was responsible for defending the city, and as a sign of gratitude, they took him on as their permanent patron saint. But, this battle is not the only thing you will be able to experience at the "Labin Art Republic".

There will also be many concerts, shows, and various street art events.

Trails, promenades, legends...

Now that you've gotten to know the "heart" of Labin and discovered its main legend, head out and explore its surroundings. The ideal landscape and hidden beauty of Labin and Rabac will line up like pearls next to the seven tourist paths and trails, which can be toured all year round, and which have interesting names: Sentona's path, the Hidden Charms Promenade, the Divine Springs Trail, the

Trail of Holy Women, the St. Florentius Trail, St. Lucy's Trail, and the Sage Trail.

It is easy to find your way around since each is marked with its own color on the topographic map. Besides that, each one has its own short story, legend, or interesting fact, information on the content and tour points, event calendar, directions on how to get there, and the time needed to pass the trail.

Labin's landscape can also be seen on two wheels. The "Bella vista" bicycle trail will offer you the unforgettable Skitača viewpoints and the surfers' paradise in Ravni. "Bright-eyed Lucy" will take you to the healing St. Lucy spring in Skitača.

Discover the youngest Istrian town on Raša and the remains of the Kršan and Kožljak fortresses on the "Liburna" trail. Inhale the forgotten scent of the Mediterranean on the "Teran" trail, passing through Rabac and Labin. The

Photos: passersby cannot resist the spring water on Sentona's trail (top left); motifs from Sentona's trail (top middle and right).

tip: You can download a map of the paths and trails in PDF format here:

Sage trail - Skitača www.rabac-labin.com

Tourist Sage trail, two kilometers long, leads from the viewpoint to the top Orlić (470 m) surrounded by slopes full of 'the goddess of Labin's lawns'. The healing sage blooms in late April and May, when it spreads its purple-blue jacket. For centuries it has been used to treat cough, throat infection and inflammation of the gums, for the preparation of medicinal spirits and as spice herb in meat dishes for better digestion. It is advised to massage the essential oil of sage onto tired and aching muscles. The smell of sage stimulates clarity of thoughts and is used against fatigue and depression, for which the local sea and mountain air filled with aerosol are especially helpful.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

15

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

tip: Don't miss out on experiencing the night tour of the medieval streets of Labin, led by the goddess Sentona, who will reveal stories and legends to you on the way...

Photos: you can try authentic menus from the Labin area in many restaurants (left); the goddess Sentona, will take you on a night tour of old Labin (right).

"Trail of the Istrian Demarcation" will introduce you to the picturesque Kršan and Šumber fortresses, with a view of the Raša River canyon, and the baron's country estate in St. Martin.

Skilled fishermen and sailors

The goddess Sentona is a symbol of protection, beauty, and fertility, and she was revered in the area of Labin, and from Raša to Plomin. Today, she represents the new tourist trademark of Labin and Rabac, and has become a symbol of the quality, tradition, authenticity, and naturalness of Labin.

16

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

It's time to go down, but also to stay a bit longer in Rabac, today a famous tourist resort, and formerly a small fishing village that had only a dozen houses in the mid-19th century. Over time, the beauty of its cove with the long pebble beach, untouched nature, and view of the Kvarner islands enticed excursionists, and later those who started staying in this community longer and longer. Amongst the first to "discover" Rabac was the British explorer, author, and travel writer Richard Francis Burton, whose stay here and in other places on the Istrian coast

resulted in the publication of the book "The Istrian Coast". At that time, summer homes started "springing up" in Rabac, followed by the first hotels. Besides being hospitable and good hosts, the people of Rabac were also owners of a dozen sailboats and were famous for being skilled sailors and fishermen. To find out what is found in their nets, and later in the plates of their guests, you must stop by the restaurants and taverns of Labin and Rabac.

Sentona's gourmet trip The goddess Sentona will take you on a trip on the gourmet time machine, through the authentic menus of the Labin region. In eight restaurants in the area of Labin and Rabac, you will be able to taste Sentona's divine menus, based on homegrown wild greens and bitter

Photos: the cove, beach, and promenade in Rabac (top, bottom left and right); Rabac and its waters are a favorite amongst sailors, and regattas are often held here (middle).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

17

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

Photos: you can try Sentona's divine menus in eight restaurants in the Labin and Rabac area (top); Kvarner calamari are a well-known gourmet specialty (middle); crepes with quark and lavender honey (bottom).

tip: While in the Labin area, definitely try sweet "krafi" with three types of cheese and raisins and, the Sentona cake.

vegetables, olives and extra virgin olive oil, sage, bay leaf, grape vines, goat and sheep milk and cheese, mushrooms, honey, figs, whitty pears, almonds, and grains: barley, corn, wheat, and lentils, which have been grown and harvested here for centuries.

Bruschetta with shrimp and arugula emulsion, bream filet on a bed of potatoes with glazed vegetables, chips made of spinach and Mediterranean herbs, and soft amaretti with sweet potato mousse with dried figs and apples, are just part of the gourmet story that awaits you in the "Nostromo" restaurant in Rabac. Enjoy delicious Kvarner calamari and cuttlefish, or handmade pasta with prawns, prepared in the traditional way in the "Due Fratelli" restaurant in Labin, run by a family of restaurateurs and fishermen with a long tradition.

In the "TomaŞići" restaurant, in the village of the same name near Labin, you will also be enticed by the aromas of domestic cooking. Green tortiglioni made of fresh basil filled with homemade quark, handmade ravioli filled with venison, homemade bread seasoned with wild asparagus, and aromatic Istrian wines are just part of this gourmet story.

Four original menus, named "Gifts of the Goddess Sentona", "Liburnian rhapsody", "Hidden charm of sage", and "Wonders of Lavender" await you in the "Sentona restaurant at the "Hotel & Casa Valamar Sanfior" in Rabac. You can also enjoy the dishes made by the grannies of Labin in the "Kvarner" restaurant, where you will be taken on a gourmet trip through Labin by, amongst other things, Istrian prosciutto, cheese with truffles, and homemade gnocchi with pork loin and red cabbage. You can also find homemade specialties in the "Conca d'oro" restaurant, within the newly renovated "Mimosa" hotel in Rabac, located in the prettiest cove in Rabac, Maslinica.

Events that lure With the superb gourmet offer, the various events being held are a true magnet for the ever-growing number of tourists visiting this idyllic area. We will name just a few. If the thought of riding a bicycle through the green landscapes 18

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

PROMO

Hotel Narcis ****

Hotel Mimosa ****

Hotel Hedera ***  & Oliva camp 

Maslinica Hotels & Resorts

T

he pearly white pebble beach, crystal clear sea, and hilly green forests... The Maslinica Hotels & Resorts await you there, with their three hotels, camp, and unique offer, with plenty of options for everyone's taste. At the newly renovated four-star Hotel Mimosa, you will find comfortable rooms, with all the amenities, restaurants, and bars. The hotel also has a "beauty and health corner" where you can enjoy massages and various body care treatments, and there are also Turkish and Finnish saunas. Hotel Narcis, with four stars, will also pamper you, and the complex also houses three-star Hotel Hedera.

Options for all ages The resort has two indoor pools filled with seawater, and four outdoor pools, of which one has hydro massage, and the pride of the resort is the blue flag that flies over the beach of the sunny Maslinica cove, a sign of extremely clean sea and coastline.

Recreational athletes will enjoy their stay here since you can play tennis, table tennis, volleyball and mini golf at the resort. You can also rent bicycles, scooters, quads, boats, and paddle boats, and if necessary, cars too. Within the resort, there is also a diving center, Mini Club, and floating water park with a trampoline, jungle gyms, and slides, which will excite the youngest guests, while entertainment has been organized for adults from May to September.

Rest in the shade of olive trees If you are more attracted to resting in the shade of olive trees, next to the sea, with a view of islands, Rabac, and the open Adriatic, then the Oliva camp is perfect for you. Here you can rent a mobile home, use your own trailer or tent, and all lots are interconnected with paths and bike trails. Each of the 400 lots and 190 mobile homes has the possibility to use electricity and water on site, as well as the well-equipped and maintained bathroom facilities with showers and laundry and dishwashing areas. The camp also has a store, café, restaurants... everything you need for the perfect vacation. 

Maslinica Hotels & Resorts, Rabac bb, 52221 Rabac, Croatia, tel: +385 (0)52 884170 / 172, fax : +385 (0)52 872088, email : info@maslinica-rabac.com, www.maslinica-rabac.com June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

19

Blue Croatia

LABIN & RABAC

Photos: there will be many events held at the Labin Art Republic, the largest cultural-art festival in Labin in July and August: concerts, exhibitions, performances, entertaining programs...

tip: You can find the "Labin Art Republic" program here:

20

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

of Rabac, Labin, and the Istrian interior sounds attractive, don't miss the "Istria Valamar Terra Magica" cycling weekend and race, to be held May 30 and June 1. The summer evenings of rivalry and temperament, fun and laughter, called the "Adriatic Games", will be held on the Rabac promenade on June 20. The program consists of team competitions, representatives of "small" Adriatic towns, in fun and traditional disciplines on sea and land: water basketball, donkey races, tug-of-wars, and other exciting games. It is a great opportunity to see Croatian and Istrian tradition through competitions about sea, wine, sea battles, cooking, and many other entertaining events.

The following day, June 21, an entirely different story awaits you. On the first day of summer, Rabac will be in the sign of the traditional Summer Carnival. The parade of mischievous and entertaining

carnival groups will pass down the seaside trail to the promenade in Rabac, and everything leads up to the masked ball in the evening.

As already mentioned, the largest culturalart event in Labin, the "Labin Art Republic" will, as is tradition, bring the historical and cultural heritage of the old city center alive in July and August. The first days of the festival, from July 3 to 5, are reserved for the "Labin Jazz Republic" concerts.

The many young artists of Labin will present themselves through fantastic jazz concerts, an art colony for unrecognized young artists, concerts by popular singers and bands, exhibitions, promotions, drama and entertaining performances and programs. For that occasion, they will be opening up the doors to their picturesque galleries, on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Make sure to check them out. ď ś

Labin Tourist Board, A. Negri 20, 52220 Labin, Croatia tel/fax: +385 52 855560, e-mail: tzg.labin@pu.t-com.hr, www.facebook.com/labinrabac.touristboard

www.rabac-labin.com June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

21

u o y 4 s tip following e h t n o t u o 4 Don't miss nd July 201 a e n u J in s event

Poreč Rise Up 2014 In Poreč's Peškera cove, from June 6 to 8, 2014, a series of musical experiences with performances of fantastic performers and various sports and entertaining events, will come together in an event called "Poreč Rise Up". With this event, Poreč will announce the start of summer, rest, fun, good food, sports...

2014 Combat Race

Gator festival Mystical and special Baranja keeps part of its secrets in "gators", dug deep into the only hill in Baranja for hundreds of years... Be in Zmajevac on June 13 and Kneževi Vinogradi on June 14, discover the myths and legends of the area, taste the local delicacies and superb wines, dance to the sound of the tambura... www.tzbaranje.hr

Adrenaline buffs should definitely be on the field in Šećerana, near Beli Manastir, on June 14, 2014, where a competition will be held in agility, speed, strength, endurance, and resourcefulness in new and unexpected situations. The challenge consists of a 6 or 12 km trail with 20 or 40 barriers. A combination of running, walking, crawling, mud, fire, water, straw, scaling walls, barbed wire, refreshing drinks, tasty homemade food, and a lot of fun await you in this part of Baranja. www.combatrace.eu

Photo: Željka Kunštek

www.to-porec.com

Nin: Šokolijada, Sun and Light Festival What are all the secrets hidden in Nin's Church of the Holy Cross, and how do the sun, lights, and shade tell the season, month, and hour flawlessly, like a calendar and sundial? Find out on June 21, 2014 at the Festival of the Sun and Light in the Church of the Holy Cross in Nin, the smallest cathedral in the world. Creative workshops, interesting lectures, and watching the game of light and shadows, are just part of the experience awaiting you here.

If you would like to try šokol, a unique specialty of Nin, and see how it is prepared, then be in Nin on July 20, when, as is tradition, Nin's Šokolijada is held, a competition of masters in the making of šokol. www.nin.hr

22

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Photo: archive of Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board

International Children's Festival in Šibenik

Photo: archive of Šibenik Tourist Board

From June 21 to July 5, 2014, the old center of Šibenik turns into an outdoor stage, and all the leading actors are children.

At that time, plays, concerts, and exhibitions by foreign and Croatian child and adult artists will take place in Šibenik.

Come, play, relax, and have a great time! www.mdf-sibenik.com

Street Performers Festival From June 16 to 28, 2014, the squares of Split will come alive with the International Festival of Street Performers, artists with an informal artistic expression. Have a look at their juggling skills and acrobatics and listen to the sounds of their unusual instruments that will be performed by artists from 16 countries.

Rabska fjera The "Rabska fjera" medieval summer fair will be held from July 25 to 27, 2014 in Rab, where artisans and craftsmen, associations and folklore associations from the island will present the traditional crafts, which existed in the Middle Ages, the creation of domestic products, and the lifestyle.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

www.dalmatia.hr

www.tzg-rab.hr

Photo: Robert Kunštek

A tradition of Knight's games From June 1 to October 31, 2014, in the town and on the island of Korčula, performances by knight's associations will be held. It will be a chance to see sword dances, or the dances of the Moreška, Kumpanija, and Moštra colors. Some of them symbolize the defense of the island from attackers, while Moreška, the most popular, presents seven dynamic sword dances, a symbol of the battle between good and evil.

Croatian summer salsa festival

www.tzgrovinj.hr

www.visitkorcula.eu

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Experience a night full of fun and hot salsa rhythms in Rovinj from June 23 to 30, when, as a part of Croatia's summer salsa festival, that city will be occupied by outstanding performers, dancers, choreographers, and salsa instructors. Dance will start "heating up" Rovinj a few days earlier, From June 20 to 22, when "Summer Sensual Days", a festival of sensual Latino dances will be held, where you will be able to perfect your moves at bachata, kizomba, and zouk workshops.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

23

Weekend trip

LOŠINJ ISLAND

Photo: Veli Lošinj is one of the most picturesque places on the island.

24

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Whatever your motivation for coming to the island of Lošinj is: relaxing in long walks, swimming in the crystal clear sea, sailing along the jagged Lošinj archipelago, cycling through the aromatic forests, looking for and/ or adopting a bottlenose dolphin, enjoying the flavors of the island, exploring cultural attractions, enjoying the benefits of wellness, visiting one of the many events, or something else, don't forget to - breathe deeply. This island bears the name the "fragrant island" and "island of vitality" for a reason.

LOŠINJ ISLAND CROATIA

Rest on the island of vitality Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive: Town of Mali Lošinj Tourism Office

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

25

Weekend trip

LOŠINJ ISLAND

tip: Take a walk through the "Path of Lošinj's Captains", pass by the Čikat bay, and see why most of the aristocratic villas and summer homes are located here.

Photos: Čikat bay (top left); Villa Karolina (top right); Mali Lošinj is the largest settlement of the island (bottom left); Lošinj's promenades are ideal for cycling (bottom right).

In the past, the islands of Cres and Lošinj were one island that were later, in Roman times, with an 11-meter wide channel that was excavated near the town of Osor, divided into two islands, that are now connected with a bridge.

26

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

T

here are many reasons to visit this island in western Kvarner, which was given a "tourism boost" at the end of the 19th century when Veli and Mali Lošinj, the most popular island communities today, were proclaimed a climate resort. After conducting research, Ambroz Haračić, then a professor at the Maritime School in Mali Lošinj, concluded that the mild Mediterranean climate, 207 sunny days per year, diverse medicinal and exotic plant life, which, in combination with fresh sea air, gives a special, aromatic scent, which was more than reason enough for the development of health tourism on the island.

Health tourism Everything started from the development of health tourism, specialized in respiratory illnesses and allergies, for which the main representative is the

Veli Lošinj Climatic Health Resort, with its century-long tradition. At the same time, the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy "discovered" the island, and started building their summer homes and villas there, which can still be found today, which launched the development of holiday tourism. Over the years, Lošinj continued expanding its travel offer and continued to offer potential and return visitors new reasons why they simply have to return to the island. The result?

Today, the island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, equally favored for a longer vacation as it is for a shorter, "weekend break" throughout the entire year.

Down the Path of Lošinj's Captains Whoever comes to the island can't miss out on walking down at least one of the

T

here are two camps in the scented greenery of Lošinj, a favorite holiday place for families, friends, children, and youth, and ideal for all those who wish to spend their vacation actively. Rapoća Camp is located in a pine forest, on the entrance to the village of Nerezine, and besides camping in your own tent, camper, or trailer, you can also rent a mobile home. The camp is surrounded by pebble and stone

PROMO

Losinia Camps beaches, and some of the facilities of the camp, which can hold up to 600 guests, include a children's playground, a beach volleyball court, a store, café, bakery, souvenir shop, a currency exchange shop, and an internet corner. Two modernly equipped bathrooms, and a bathroom for persons with a disability, are also located within the camp. There are also 18 newly renovated three-star suites located near the camp, only a hundred meters from the sea, and the village center.

The Lopari camp, which offers accommodations for 500 guests in their tents, campers, and trailers, is located between the fishing village of Nerezine and the historical town of Osor. It is naturally forested with Mediterranean plants, and the stone walls, for which it is unique on the Adriatic, add a special charm. There is an 800-meter-long pebble beach located near the camp. 

Lošinjska plovidba - Turizam Ltd., Privlaka 19, 51550 Mali Lošinj, Croatia, tel: +385 51 237127 (Lopari Camp); tel: +385 51 237145 (Rapoća Camp), e-mail: info@losinia.hr, www.losinia.hr

In the past, Veli Lošinj (Big village) was larger than Mali Lošinj (Small village), but through history, Mali Lošinj developed more quickly, so the situation has been reversed, although the names remained the same.

many trails, 250 km long in total, and each has its own story. If you head down the "Path of Lošinj's Captains", the trail will take you along the sea, next to many coves, aristocratic villas, a pine forest, and Lošinj's main harbor of Augusta, where Mali Lošinj is "anchored". Those who choose the "Dolphin Trail", a trail that passes along the southern side of the island, will have the greatest opportunity to see a playful school of bottlenose dolphins. The waters surrounding Lošinj are home to a community of about 180 of these tame animals, and proof that the island has become famous for them is the fact that Dolphin Day is celebrated every year in Veli Lošinj, and that a large number of tourists regularly participate in it. Along with the mentioned trails, you will also find the "Vitality trail", "Lošinj's transversal", and several trails along the islands of the Lošinj archipelago: Susak,

Ilovik, and Unije. They will all reveal indescribable views, landscapes, coves...

Numerous excursions The trails are also ideal for running and cycling, and those who would like to feel even more adrenaline, can try climbing.

Sailors also like to visit this archipelago due to its interesting islands and hidden coves, and the islands also offer tennis courts, and the possibility to rent boats, sports fishing, hunting, and many other sports activities.

If you plan on staying on Lošinj for more than a weekend, definitely take one of the many boat excursions. You can choose from the islets of Lošinj's archipelago: Susak, Unije, and Ilovik, as well as neighboring Silba and Rab. Fans of the sea have the chance to head out to sea with an organized fishing and/or

Town of Mali Lošinj Tourism Office Riva lošinjskih kapetana 29 51550 Mali Lošinj, Croatia tel: +385 51 231884, +385 51 231547 fax: +385 51 233373 e-mail: losinj@visitlosinj.hr

www.tz-malilosinj.hr

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

27

Weekend trip

LOŠINJ ISLAND

"Adopt a dolphin" is the name of the campaign you can join to protect dolphins and donate funds to their protection project, and in return, you will receive an Adoption Package. You can adopt a dolphin in Veli Lošinj or at: www.plavi-svijet.org

Photos: the Fragrant Island Garden (top left); various medicinal, herbal, and exotic plants grow on the island (top right); it isn't uncommon to see a dolphin in the waters surrounding Lošinj (bottom left); sailors love to visit the Lošinj archipelago for its beautiful islands and hidden coves (bottom right).

28

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

diving excursion, and island bus tours are also available, which will take you to them prettiest cultural attractions, and picturesque island towns.

A fragrant story While staying on this island, you'll also experience its fragrant story, where the main role is played by the various medicinal, herbal, and exotic plant life that covers the island and for which Lošinj is famous far and abroad as the "fragrant island". Several years ago, a year-long event called the "Fragrances and tastes of the island of Lošinj" was launched, which spread like an epidemic throughout the entire island, its camps, hotels, restaurants, cosmetic salons, travel agencies... Plants native to the island became the main ingredient, and floral decoration, and liqueurs, juices, cakes, and various decorations, and even got into the agencies, which will gladly take you to the Fragrant Island Garden.

Here you will get to know more about the lush island flora and the medicinal characteristics of the plants, but also be able to by an original souvenir from the island, which, once you get home, will remind you of this, largely, fragrant island for a long time.

If you are a fan of certain fruit and plants, we bring you the fragrant calendar according to which you can schedule your trip to Lošinj: January and February are in the sign of lemons, oranges, and mandarin oranges, March is in the sign of rosemary, eucalyptus, and laurel.

April is reserved for asparagus, Lošinj onion, and borage, and May for sage, fennel, and nettle. June awaits you with Spanish broom, lavender, immortelle and ribwort plantain, while July is dedicated to the bougainvillea, mint, and bladder campion. On the island, August is in the sign of oleander, medlar, and figs, while the fragrance program continues in September with the days of jujube, grapes, indian fig opuntia, and rock samphire. October is "governed" by myrtle, strawberry-tree, dandelion and pomegranate, November by olives, dog rose, and quince, while December is in the sign of pine, agave, and prickly juniper.

According to Grandma's recipes While on Lošinj, don't ignore its flavors, based on original Mediterranean cuisine.

The treasury of ingredients here are the clean Adriatic Sea and the fragrant island

PROMO

N

ear the sea, and nestled in the greenery of the scented island of Lošinj, you will find six hotels, villas, a guest house, and six restaurants with plenty of facilities under the shared name of Lošinj Hotels & Villas.

One of the beauties of this hotel brand of the Jadranka hoteli d.o.o. company is the Wellness Hotel Aurora in Sunčana Uvala (Sunny Cove), which is located only 50 m from the sea and sports facilities, and only a 20-minute walk from the center of Mali Lošinj. The hotel is ideal for a romantic, relaxing vacation at the sea, and houses a Mediterranean style spa, where you will be completely pampered. The hotel often hosts various congresses and meetings since it also has a congress center.

"Aurora's neighbor", the Vespera Family Hotel, made for children, is an entirely

different story. Vespera is the best choice for a vacation for the entire family filled with numerous pleasant activities! The Family Acqua Fun outdoor pool complex on three levels, with waterfalls and slides will thrill the youngest, and it will hard for anyone to resist the modern design and comfort of the hotel.

Besides being incredibly fun from children and parents, vacations on Lošinj are also healing. Lošinj's natural wellness, a healing combination of sea spray and aromatic indigenous plants, is proven to be favorable for children's development and the respiratory system.

Near the centuries-old picturesque harbor of Veli Lošinj, you will find the Vitality Hotel Punta, another ace up the sleeve of this brand. The medicinal aromatic gardens surrounding the

hotel, the Vitality Zone with pools, plenty of facilities and vitality programs, and gourmet experiences, based on Mediterranean, but also macrobiotic cuisine, are just part of everything you will find here.

The Hotel Bellevue 5*, a hedonistic paradise for all fans of healthy vacations, which will open its doors in early July 2014, is reason more to visit Lošinj. "A natural ease of enjoyment" is the slogan that possibly best describes everything you will find here: from spacious and comfortable rooms to suites with private jacuzzis, located at the top of the hotel, to the Spa clinic, or spa, wellness, and beauty oasis, Fit zone, pools, and restaurants with selected delicacies of island, Mediterranean, but also international cuisine. 

Lošinj Hotels & Villas, Dražica 1, 51550 Mali Lošinj, Croatia, tel: +385 51 661111, fax: +385 51 231904, booking@losinj-hotels.com, www.losinj-hotels.com June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

29

Weekend trip

LOŠINJ ISLAND

tip: While on Lošinj, you must try fish specialties, salad made of wild greens, and marmalade made from Lošinj citrus.

Photos: the town of Osor on the island of Cres, which is connected to Lošinj by bridge, is an open-air museum (top left); the gallery in the circular Tower in Veli Lošinj (top right); Lošinj's gastronomy is based on white and blue fish, seafood, and wild greens (bottom left); when on the island, treat yourself to one of the delicacies (bottom right).

30

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

gardens, and menus are based on recipes written long ago by the grandparents of Lošinj's restaurateurs. White and blue fish, shellfish, seafood, the famous Kvarner scampi, island lamb, homemade pasta, risotto, salads made of wild greens, and olive oil, are flavors you're sure to remember. Treat yourself to homemade desserts, liqueurs, and marmalades made of citruses from Lošinj.

Just like the food, the cultural story of Lošinj is also diverse. You will come across churches and chapels, monasteries, houses from the Renaissance and ancient ruins all over the entire island. At the Fritzy Palace in Mali Lošinj, you can see a rich collection of art by Croatian artists, while the gallery in the circular Tower in Veli Lošinj will tell you the story of the long maritime tradition of the island.

The islanders are especially proud of the statue of Apoxyomenus, a Greek athlete, which was found in the waters near Lošinj. Of the eight variations of the prototype of this young athlete found

so far, the statue from Lošinj the most complete and best preserved. Its copy is currently displayed in the Tower Gallery in Veli Lošinj, and the original will be permanently displayed in the Kvarner Palace in Mali Lošinj, after the construction of the museum is completed.

Continue your walk through the cultural attractions of Lošinj to the town of Osor, an open-air museum, where many artists have left their mark. Peek into its gardens and park, where ancient villas, Renaissance portals, and monasteries are hidden in their greenery, and try to visit in the summer months, during the famous Osor Musical Evenings. Whenever you visit Lošinj, you will come across various events: from musical festivals to food shows, various festivals, tournaments, exhibitions, and performances that are most often held under the starry Lošinj sky. Come and experience them, get to know Lošinj... 

PROMO

Veli Lošinj spa

T

he scented island of Lošinj is famous far and wide for its Veli Lošinj spa, whose diverse programs are based on the natural resources of the island: its mild Mediterranean climate graced with a large number of sunny days throughout the year, the pristine sea and air, and the large pine forest and Mediterranean plants on site. The spa conducts the following treatment programs: for respiratory paths and asthma, as well as allergies and psoriasis, as well as classic rehabilitation programs for ailments of the locomotor system and neurological diseases.

Rich health program During your stay, you can take advantage of the rich health program that consists of: an internist examination with blood pressure control, ECG and spirometry; a dental exam with a panoramic X-ray of the mouth; a dermatological-diagnostic examination of the skin and moles; an allergy test for the most common nutritional and inhalational allergens; physical therapy upon recommendation from specialists of physical medicine and rehabilitation; inhalation and vibration therapy for

cleansing the respiratory paths upon recommendation from internists; breathing exercises outdoors and organized walks as well as medical and aroma massages.

The therapeutic and medical facilities at the spa are accessible year round, and most services can be used based on a prescription issued by a doctor. Superb accommodations are available for you in the newly renovated Villa Elizabeth, in a double room or family suite. 

Lječilište Veli Lošinj, Podjavori 27, 51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia, tel: +385 51 236111, fax: +385 51 236224, mob: +385 99 2361111, info@ljeciliste-veli-losinj.hr, www.ljeciliste-veli-losinj.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

31

Interview

ŠIME KLARIĆ

ŠIME KLARIĆ, President of the National Association of Small and Family Hotels Small hotels have become the initiators and carriers of change and advancement of the entire hotel industry in the development of tourism in Croatia. Šime Klarić, president of the National Association of Small and Family Hotels, emphasizes that small hotels have become a synonym for the development of responsible tourism, with emphasis on employment and an individual approach to guests.

Conducted by: Alma Radoš Photos: Alma Radoš, archives of the San Rocco, Korana-Srakovčić, Villa Magdalena, Park Hvar and Vestibul Palace hotels

Small hotels - carriers of new trends in tourism The National Association created a marketing plan that includes appearances at foreign markets so that our hotels can easily and quickly, directly or with the help of specialized agencies, come to the super segmented markets, which are on the lookout for superb specialized products, available 365 days a year.

32

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

U

p until a decade ago, small and family hotels were barely present on the Croatian market, while today, considering the fact that they increase in number daily, their economic importance isn't negligible.

Proof of that is the fact that at the time of its establishment in 2004, the National Association of Small and Family Hotels had only 50 members, while today they have four times as many. However, in contrast to Croatia, this phenomenon isn't a novelty in developed tourism countries. With the development of family hotel services, Croatia is just starting

to approach Italy, France, Austria, and Greece in baby steps, and discovering what those countries have been developing for decades. Despite that, the small and family hotels in Croatia are of a high quality, and they have beaten out the competition with their content and offer, although they account for only 10 percent of the hotel capacities, while in the above mentioned countries, they reach the magical number of 80 percent.

In other words, Croatia has around three hundred small family hotels, while Italy has 23 thousand, and Greece and Austria have ten thousand each.

Photos: a room in the San Rocco Hotel, in Brtonigla (top left); Hotel Park Hvar, island of Hvar (top right); the San Rocco hotel (bottom left); a room at the Villa Magdalena hotel, in Krapinske toplice (bottom right).

"Small and family hotels are built in destinations that aren't recognized as being travel destinations, such as small towns in continental Croatia, or on islands, in untouched natural areas, in the most unusual places. In other words, in the places where the large tourism industry doesn't have any interest. In creating high-quality tourism products, they raise the quality of the destination and attract guests with high spending power. Trends show that those kinds of hotels have become a global hit", stresses Šime Klarić, president of the National Association of Small and Family Hotels (OMH) and owner of the St. Mihovil hotel in Trilj.

What is the role of small and family hotels in tourism?

Investing in small family hotels is the foundation for developing responsible

tourism. Research of the tourism market showed long ago that, economically, small hotels are competitive. On the other hand, the example of small hotels affirms indigenous and authentic, promotes one's own culture, and what is most important, the local population participate in the tourism product.

What has affected the fast development of small and family hotels in Croatia?

Successful collaboration between the OMH with the Ministry of Tourism as a part of the "Stimulus for Success" program, launched eleven years ago, proved to be of great importance. This stimulating measure recognized the potential for family hotels and started treating them as an imperative for the development and competitiveness of Croatian tourism. Of course, 30 years ago, due to the lack of market economy and the impossibility

of developing entrepreneurship, there were no prerequisites for the modern development of hotel services in general in Croatia, never mind the systematic launching of the phenomenon that little family hotels are. So we must us intelligent and skilled policies in this sphere of the economy to make up for the lost years. Countries such as Austria, Italy, and Germany have stimulated the construction of such hotels of the past forty years and it isn't realistic to expect that in ten years Croatia will achieve that what took others thirty to achieve. But, according to everything, we are on a good path, and in a few decades, we will be competitive for more than our high quality, but also for the number of our small hotels. We are thereby securing the future of Croatian tourism, our strategic branch, and the only source of income for a large portion of the population. Small

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

33

Interview

ŠIME KLARIĆ

Photos: the Korana-Srakovčić Hotel, Karlovac (top left); the lobby of the Vestibul Palace Hotel, in Split (bottom left); the Vestibul Palace Hotel, Split (right).

Gourmet hotels offer superb authentic cuisine based on seasonal ingredients, and their restaurants are amongst the best in Croatia.

34

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

family hotels are an example of successful public-private partnership including the Ministry of Tourism, Croatian National Tourist Board, and Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development. With such a shared approach, we have created a more competitive product with three hundred hotels that represent sustainable and responsible tourism with emphasis on the local community.

What are the main characteristics of small family hotels?

Originality, personality, and recognition.

The guest desires, seeks, and expects quality, and quality and an individual approach are what small hotels can offer quicker and easier than large hotels.

The offer of food and drink is easily adapted to the structure of the guests and their desires. Owners of small hotels, or their managers, are on call 24 hours

a day, they have an overview of the situation so they can instantly react to the requests and needs of the guests.

The staff is also in constant contact with the guests, and an individual approach is used for everyone, and they try to fulfil every request without delay. Guests, but also the staff, in small hotels are not anonymous, everyone has a name, which is a prerequisite for creating an incredibly comfortable atmosphere, based on trust and satisfaction.

Does the fact that small and family hotels, especially at the coast, mostly have returning guests ease business, since it doesn't require large investments in market research and additional marketing activities?

Regardless of that fact, true professionals in tourism need to constantly improve the quality of their services, innovate,

and introduce new content and surprises for their guests, whereby they avoid monotony, but also expand their offer and attract new guests. Small and family hotels constantly have to keep track of their high quality, which demands impeccable staff, products and services, immaculate cleanliness and tourist protection, a high-quality inventory and equipment, a realistic relationship between the price and service, trust and discretion, well-informed guests, preventing any possible staff errors. The most expensive errors are those that the guest discovers. Owners of small hotels are aware of that so this segment of Croatian tourism represents the ultimate in quality.

What are the comparative advantages of this type of hotel services?

The comparative advantages of small and family hotel services have a great synergetic effect both on the tourism offer, as well as on the entire economy.

Besides opening up a significant number of new positions, small family hotels hire and use mostly local services: from construction companies for their construction to equipment and food.

They enable not only seasonal, but also year-round employment, and in regards to the tourism profession as a whole, they prolong the tourism season.

What kinds of offers have been emphasized, or what kinds of products do small hotels offer?

Small and family hotels have been built in various destinations, and depending on their surroundings, they have created different offers. For ease of communication according to the super segmented markets where these products are most interesting, the OMH has standardized them according to the type they belong to. In other words, we have segmented them according to certain types into special interest groups so that our guests can automatically recognize the basic travel product of the hotel: heritage, wellness, adventure, gourmet and business hotels, as well as family-friendly hotels. The special interest groups are a tool that bring together all the facilities with the equipment, interior, services, and ambiance adapted to the specific market segment. It increases the value of the destination by connecting its name with the special interest group offer, including its local resources and attractions. 

There are six special interest groups for small and family hotels: • Family holiday hotels are created for guests with small children who would like to spend a pleasant vacation in safe and comfortable surroundings, with hotel facilities, furnishings, and services adapted to the needs of children and parents • Adventure hotels are aimed at guests who desire entertainment and adventure, with many sports activities, and special services • Heritage hotels with unique architecture, style, and luxuriously designed interiors • Wellness hotel with an offer for a nurturing, relaxing, and healthy vacation • Business hotels with the space, equipment, and services for organizing seminars, team building programs, training, as well as social events • Gourmet hotels are aimed at guests who would like to discover the unique features of the Croatian culinary culture, with an offer of traditional local specialties

Photo: potatoes baked in salt are just one of the gourmet voyages the San Rocco gourmet restaurant from Brtonigla will take you on.

Croatian wellness, heritage, adventure, wine&gourmet and business hotels can compete with the best in the world, while the family vacation hotels, or spa hotels, are undoubtedly the best. Besides the authentic ambiance, hospitality, and individual approach, they offer superb food, a safe vacation, the best beaches, and organized excursions.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

35

Tradition

36

KALI (THE ISLAND OF UGLJAN)

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

The fishermen of Kali

be

o:

Ro

ot

rt Ku te k

tipTravelMagazine

nš

June / July 2014.

Ph

On the island of Ugljan, near Zadar, in the fishing and tourist town of Kali, it is a scene that can be seen every day - the hardworking fishermen of Kali who, after a good catch, mend their nets on the docks. Kali is home to the some of the best known fishermen in the Adriatic who perfected their fishing and sailing skills for centuries on the seas of the world. Fishing is the leading source of income for the locals whose food, logically, is based on fish, mostly tuna, which is bred in these waters. It is prepared in various ways, and in combination with superb olive oil, for which this island has been known far and wide for two thousand years, and with herbs such as rosemary and bay, it creates flavors and aromas for which you will regularly return to this island once you discover it.

37

hours

Sisak

Roman Siscia, the capital of the SisakMoslavina County, awaits you with many interesting features and attractions.

Take a walk down its streets and listen to its story...

Photos: a statue of A. G. Matoš on the promenade along the Kupa River (top); the Mali Kaptol building (bottom).

Written by: Romana Bunčić Photos: Željko Rakarić (granted by the Sisak Tourist Board)

tip: Wake up with a morning coffee on the terrace of the Siscia jazz club and enjoy the view of the Kupa River, after which you can just follow the river...

38

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

I

t's hard to say which season is the best time to visit Sisak, a city on three rivers, which is equally attractive all year round. But, whenever you do get here, definitely take a walk down the promenade next to the Kupa River, alongside which natural beauty intertwines with the rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether you arrive by bus, train, or by car, head out to the shores of the Kupa from the train station or the bus station.

9:00 - 9:30 Pause for a moment on the terrace of the Siscia jazz club and wake up with a morning cup of coffee. The Mali Kaptol building, where the club is located, is one of the oldest brick buildings in Sisak (from the late 18th century). Today it houses the Sisak Tourist Board, where you

can also get useful informational material about the city. From the terrace, you will see the elevated peninsular meandering part of the Kupa, the community of Pogorelac, also the first community in the area of what is now Sisak, what was once known as "oppidum Segestica".

9:30 - 10:30 Continue down the river. Near Mali Kaptol, on the shores of the Kupa, you will come across Granik, an old steam crane that used to unload goods off of boats. Next to the Mali Kaptol building, have a look at Sisak's Historical Ring, placed in seven glass cases under ground, which show the most important eras from Sisak's rich past.

A large amount of Roman money was found on the shores of the Kupa River.

The path takes you on to the Tuškan house, a representative 19th century

Photos: the old "Granik" steam crane (top left); the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (top right); Sisak's historical ring (middle left); the Veliki Kaptol building and the Old Bridge (middle right); the musical gazebo in the park (bottom left).

two-story building and one of the rare buildings in Sisak built in the palatial style. Soon you will reach the old bridge from 1934, for which bricks from Roman Siscia were used. It has become the most recognizable symbol of Sisak for its beauty. End your walk along the Kupa in front of the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

10:30 - 11:30 If you have a look across from the cathedral, you will see the Veliki Kaptol building, which currently houses the diocese. In 1839, the premiere performance of the first drama in the štokavski dialect of the Croatian literary language, "Juran and Sofija", which was an important event for Croatia, was held here. The center is home to the "Siscia in situ" archeological site, which represents

the south portion of the city fortress, with the internal tower and defense moat. Within the fortress, there is a horreum, a late Roman-era building that was used to store grain.

Pass by the gazebo that dominates the central park, and come out in front of Sisak's secondary school, next to the cathedral, near the Colussi house from the late 19th century, previously the museum of the city of Sisak, and today, it is the headquarters of the land office.

After circling the park, you leave it on the right side near the Sisak Sports and Recreation Center and the city market.

Turn onto I. K. Sakcinski Street and take a walk to the center of town. Head over to the Square of Ljudevit Posavski, a duke who started out on his battle against the Franks from Sisak in the 9th century.

The square is dominated by the Music School, a former synagogue.

Restaurant COCKTAIL Ante Starčevića 27, 44000 Sisak, Croatia, tel: +385 44 549137 cocktail@cocktail.hr www.cocktail.hr www.facebook.com/pages/ Restoran-Cocktail-Sisak/

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

39

24 hours

SISAK

Photo: Blaženka Suntešić, Sisak's City Museum

Photo: archive of hotel Panonija

11:30 - 13:00

Photos: Sisak's City Museum (top left); Sisak's Old Town (right); hotel Panonija (bottom left).

Sisak, formerly Siscia, was a city with waterways and sewage systems, paved roads, and brick buildings. The city was an important crossroads, and trade and crafts center, with important administrative and financial buildings. Here they had many curia, basilicas, temples, a theater, and an amphitheater.

40

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Visit the Sisak City Museum, in Kralj Tomislav Street, where you will see a summary of everything you have seen thus far, and the museum's exhibition from prehistoric times to modern day will certainly interest you. Various events where you can find out more about the history of Sisak are also held here. Have a look at the "Fragmenti" film, which will tell you the story of Sisak from its establishment to modern day.

13:00 - 14:30 You must be hungry by now. Enjoy a gourmet experience at the excellent "Cocktail" restaurant, which is sure to win you over with its gourmet delicacies, friendly staff, and impressive wine list. Be sure to try Škrlet, a wine from Moslavina, made of an autochthonous sort of grapes with a unique flavor. If you prefer pizza, head back to the promenade and "Pizzeria Gema", where you can try one of the best pizzas in town, with a view of the Kupa. The restaurant wasn't accidentally named Gema. In Roman Siscia, a gema was a stone with a picture that usually adorned a ring or another piece of jewelry. From Gema, you also have a view of Rimska Street and the Holland House, a building with an unusual façade.

Today, this former warehouse is a symbol of 19th century Sisak, when the city was at its peak of trade, construction, and economic power. After lunch, take a walk

through Tomislav Street and pass by the stadium of Segesta, the oldest football club in Croatia, founded in 1906.

14:30 - 19:30 With the Sava River on your left, and the Kupa River on your right, head down the embankment towards the Old City, a fortress that had the role of stopping the infiltration of the Ottomans to the west.

It was built of building material from Roman Siscia, at the confluence where the River Kupa flows into the Sava. The interior of the fortress can be toured with the curator. Refresh yourself with a drink or have a late lunch (if you haven't eaten yet) in the "Stari grad" restaurant, located directly next to the fortress, and enjoy the view of the traditional wooden house, made of oak planks, with a covered staircase and porch. The surrounding area is ideal for a walk and recreation.

19:30 - 22:00 As evening approaches, head over to the hotel "Panonija" in the center of town. At the cocktail bar you can have a drink before your dinner in the hotel restaurant, treat yourself to some cake from the hotel's patisserie, and go over your impressions of the day. Various social and cultural events are often held in the hotel: from concerts to various promotions. If you come across any of them, definitely join in, sit back, and enjoy your evening in Sisak. 

Sisak-Moslavina County

the green-blue cradle of Croatia

Sisak-Moslavina County Tourist Board Tourist office Stjepana i Antuna Radića 28/II 44000 Sisak, Croatia tel: +385 44 540163 fax: +385 44 540164 e-mail: tzsmz@email.t-com.hr www.turizam-smz.hr

www.turizam-smz.hr

February June / March / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

41 29

Novelties

ZAGREB The second anniversary of Qatar Airways flights to Zagreb

Photo: Anita Genc

On May 10, 2014, Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, celebrated its second year of flying to Zagreb with a special cocktail party in Zagreb's Hotel Esplanade. Currently, this airline's planes fly daily to Zagreb's international airport, and an Airbus 321 with 12 seats in business class, and up to 170 seats in economy class flies on the Zagreb-Doha line. "The past two years have been an incredible journey for the Qatar Airways team in Croatia, and for our loyal customers", said the director of Qatar Airways for Central and Eastern Europe, Grisha Jenkov. Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines with one of the newest fleets in the world, and its fleet of 129 airplanes fly to 137 business and holiday destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and North and South America.

"Navi" souvenir shop and gallery of Croatian naïve art Tkalčićeva 42 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel: +385 1 4922742

e-mail: navisuveniri@gmail.com www.facebook.com/navi.suveniri

42

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

The Sheraton Zagreb Hotel awarded a halal certificate

Photo: archive of HUP Zagreb

Since mid-April 2014, Zagreb's tourist palette has been enriched with a new and completely different souvenir shop, "Navi". It is located in the heart of Zagreb, in Tkalčićeva Street, equally popular amongst tourists and Zagrebians, and there you will find an impressive selection of mostly handmade souvenirs from all parts of Croatia. The souvenir shop is also special for its design and the walls painted by artist Anita Genc, which depict the most important symbols of Zagreb. Still, the main thing that makes this souvenir shop stand out "amongst the masses" is the gallery of "Naïve art", where you will find masterpieces by famous painters of Croatian naïve art, followers of the Hlebine painting school: Zlatko Kolarel, the student of world famous Ivan Generalić and the president of the association of Hlebine painters and sculptors, followed by Stjepan Pongrac and Zlatko Štrfiček, members of the "Podravka 72" art colony, and other naïve painters. Stjepan Pongrac showed visitors the painting technique of oil on glass at the opening of the souvenir gallery on April 18, 2014.

Photo: archive of Qatar Airways

A totally different souvenir shop

In early April 2014, the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel was awarded a halal certificate of quality, which alongside The Westin Zagreb, makes it the second hotel from the HUP Zagreb group that has become the bearer of this certificate. The certificate guarantees that guests of the hotels get hotel accommodations and food according to the strict halal standards, which obligates the hotels to offer accommodations and nutrition that fulfils the criteria of room furnishings, as well as food preparation according to the religious standards of Islam. The restaurants of these hotels now have halal menus along with their regular menus, and halal food can also be ordered through room service. Also, the suite and room furnishings have been adapted for guests of the Islam faith so that they can conduct their religious ceremonies, and hotel guests can ask for a prayer mat and the Kur'an.

an alternative to liposuction

Photo: Harry Schiffer, archive of 'Graz Tourismus'

The cultural and culinary story of Graz presented in Zagreb The cultural and culinary offer of Graz, the Austrian city known far and wide for a highly cultured lifestyle, was presented in Zagreb on May 15, 2014. In describing Graz as a city of culture, festivals, theater and films, Susanne Hรถller, Director of Sales and Marketing of the Graz Tourist Board, also described the gourmet offer of this city, which has been known as the "Capital of Delight". The peak of culinary events every year is definitely the "Long Table (Lange Tafel) of the Capital of Delight", which hosts 700 guests, whose culinary experiences are cared for by 27 chefs with their teams, while the musical ambiance is provided for by several ensembles. This year, the event will be held on August 16, and the tickets are nearly sold out. However, from June 14 to 19, Graz is preparing another gastronomical spectacle of delights, also with a long table, with many different events: tasting pumpkin oil, wine, and chocolate, culinary tours of the city, creative lunch menus, a formal gala dinner, and much more, accompanied by excellent music and humor which all culminates in the Delight Ball.

See you in Graz.

Top Gear Live show in Zagreb Super luxurious cars, spectacular stunts, and the famous British humor will fill Arena Zagreb on July 3, 2014, where the Top Gear Live show will be held at 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, based on the popular TV show, "Top Gear". Top Gear Live offers a spectacular car show with unbelievable stunts and cars that will crash, bash, and burn, all spiced up with the famous British humor of Top Gear.

This new show will be presented by the three famous hosts of Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, with incredibly precise driving, insane stunts, and breathtaking pyrotechnics. The Top Gear show has been seen by more than 1.8 million fans worldwide so far, and the impressive numbers are enough to wow anyone: every year, they need 135 semi-trucks, 3 ships, 1 cargo plane, 94 cars, and more than 150 sets of tires for the show to happen. www.topgearlive.com.hr www.eventim.hr

In the pleasant surroundings of Dharma, you will find a professional team with an array of beauty and health treatments: massages and wellness rituals, face and body cosmetics, gold and chocolate treatments, education of massage, makeup artistry, and pedicures... Still, the plume of the offer is Med Contour, an alternative to liposuction, a treatment that will decrease the circumference of the treated area, remove cellulite and tighten skin.

See for yourself!

Beauty and health at the same address

Beauty and health institute Hondlova 2A, Zagreb, tel: +385 98 864858 June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

43

Events

ZAGREB

Photo: events on Zagreb's main square.

44

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Photo: you will see street performers at various locations in the city center during the festival.

Cest is d'Best

A festival for all generations Prepared by: Željka Kunťtek ◆ Photos: archive of Zagreb Tourist Board

Zest, energy, laughter, and the most diverse performances by performers from all over the world will take over Zagreb from June 5 to 11, 2014. This group of musical, drama, entertainment, children's, art, sports, and other events will be held in the Croatian metropolis for the 18th time, called "Cest is d'Best".

Find out why Zagreb is the "thorn in the eye" of many cities because of this international street festival...

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

45

Events

ZAGREB

W Photos: one of the events for the youngest Zagrebians and their guests in Zrinjevac Park (top); acrobatics and concerts are an integral part of the festival (bottom left and right).

46

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

hen the "Cest is d'Best" international multimedia street festival was first launched, the members of the "Kraljevi ulice" band had clear goals: to nurture Zagreb's identity, rejuvenate the city squares and streets, and emphasize their charm and optimism even more.

They came up with a concept made up of various cultural events, and brought together the people of Zagreb and their guests of all generations. And they succeeded. The 18th edition of this street festival, the oldest in Croatia, which turns the center of Zagreb into a stage that is visited by an average of 50 thousand visitors daily during the festival, proves that. Impressive, isn't it?

Wandering piano for a good mood Races for babies, waiters, and street cleaners, the Center for slight mood repairs, the slowest bicycle ride, dances, magicians, many funny and artistic installations by young artists, musical stages on main city squares,... all of that is just part of the diverse and rich program you can find in the heart of Zagreb those days. There will also be circus workshops, face painting, quizzes and cartoons, and at fun labs at some points. The wandering piano, or pianette on an improvised trolley, which will travel through the center of the city, and in the places where you least expect it, surprise you with good music.

The language rest area is another event that intrigues locals every year. The employees of this fun school, which is traditional at this festival, will teach you the basics of Croatian sign language so that next time you are diving, underwater, or have a full mouth of food, you can communicate. The pub quizzes, popular worldwide, and standup comedy, will also boost your mood at this fun street festival.

Škripzikl, a one man band...

Don't be surprised if when walking through the city you come across Škripzikl. Definitely stop and have a look if you see a man in that creaky old vehicle and listen to his musical

Have you been taken back to the past in a time machine or can you actually see the characters from stories told long time ago standing right next to you? Everything is here: a nostalgic song, a bunch of owers and the times we brought back to the streets of Zagreb because of you… www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

story. Do the same if you come across Magisterludimanband. There are Photos: reportedly two hundred active OneZrinjevac during the festival (top left); street performers, man-bands in the world, but none acrobats, and artists will of them play the contrabass made of often make you cry laughing a bucket. Listen to his domestic and (top right). foreign hits and chansons. Feel free to dance if the music or moment get the best of you. Various children's workshops and programs, photo competitions, sports events, and hot dance rhythms... there is plenty more that will delight the tip: people of Zagreb Listen to the and their guests musical story of during this fun and Škripzikl, learn sign original festival. language, visit the Center See for yourself...  for slight mood repairs...

This international street festival turns Zagreb into an all-out party place. Be sure to join in on the fun!

www.cestisdbest.com

Croatia’s largest open-air music event, placed on the list of 50 best festivals in the world. Check it out! www.inmusicfestival.com

Fill your hearts with the spirit of Advent as the city streets, squares and parks are adorned with Christmassy delights. Treat yourself with Advent in Zagreb! www.adventzagreb.com

ZAGREB TOURIST BOARD

www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr tel. + 385 (0) 1 481 40 51

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

47

Attraction

DINNER IN THE SKY®

tip: Would you like to experience this incredible experience and sip champagne 50 meters above ground with a spectacular view of Zagreb? Write us why at info@tiptravelmagazine.com (and sign up for our newsletter if you haven't yet!) because, in collaboration with our partner Dinner in the Sky®, the reader with the most original answer submitted by June 6, 2014 will receive 1x2 tickets! Hurry!

TICKET

S

tip:

10% discount

Get a with tipTravel magazine for any of the packages: Brunch, Lunch, Champagne, Dinner, or Cocktail in the Sky®. All you have to do is type in the discount code "tipTravel" when making your online reservation and... enjoy this unique event! Reserve your tickets now:

48

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Dinner in the Sky® in Zagreb in June For only five days, from June 11 to 15, 2014, The Westin Zagreb hotel, a part of the HUP Zagreb Group, will host the unique Dinner in the Sky® project, where guests will have the chance to enjoy culinary delights 50 meters above ground, with a spectacular view of the Croatian metropolis. One of the best chefs in Croatia, Tomislav Hruban, will prepare and serve an exclusive four-course dinner in the evening. A total of 22 people will be able to sit at the table in the sky for brunch, lunch, champagne, or cocktails at different times throughout the day. www.hupzagreb.com & www.dinnerinthesky.com.hr

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

T

he Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, a luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of Zagreb awaits you with a large offer and highly personalized services: various treatments in the wellness center, superb cuisine by renowned and multiple-award-winning chefs, sumptuous dinners served in the rooms, innovative packages for total relaxation... One of the most popular offers of this favorite Zagreb hotel is the Wellness package. Along with the possibility of spending a relaxing weekend, revitalizing your body in the saunas, pools, and all the facilities at the wellness center, you also have access to the miraculous massages and cosmetic treatments at the Murad Beauty Center.

Spice up your stay with superb gourmet

PROMO

Relaxation and romance at the delicacies by renowned chefs. The package costs 215 euro for two people.

A romantic walk through the center of town or exploring the secrets of Zagreb's streets? It's your choice. But after getting to know more about the exciting Croatian metropolis, relax with a loved one at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, its luxurious deluxe room, delicious breakfast, and spectacular three-course lunch. The "Weekend Escape" package includes two nights in a deluxe room with a sumptuous breakfast and a threecourse meal a day, as you wish (Friday or Saturday). The offer is good for two people and available on weekends for 215 euro. ď ś

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Kneza Borne 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, tel: +385 1 4553535, sheraton.zagreb@sheratonzagreb.com; www.hotel-sheratonzagreb.com/hotel-special-offers June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

49

Historical traces...

i

ZAGREB

Maksimir Park

Google Street View: Address: Maksimirski perivoj b.b.

10000 Zagreb, Croatia www.park-maksimir.hr

50

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Maksimir Park tip: While in Zagreb, make sure to take a walk along the lakes, streams, and meadows of Zagreb's most beautiful park, and visit the zoo, which is located within the park.

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek, May 2014

M

aksimir is to Zagreb what Regent's Park is to London, or Bois de Boulogne is to Paris. The most beautiful park in Zagreb was established by Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, who decided to use the episcopal forest and give it to the people of Zagreb as a park for rest and recreation, similar to other European parks. The Park was opened in 1794, and it was named after its founder "Maksimilijan's Peace" ("Maksimilijanov mir"), or abbreviated, Maksimir. It was the first public park in southeastern Europe, and it is one of the greatest park achievements of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The park stretches out over 316 hectares, and is crisscrossed with meadows, lakes, and streams.

It also has a zoo, and many valuable cultural sites: the Viewpoint, the Echo Gazebo, the Swiss House, the Obelisk, the Chapel of St. George, Bishop Haulik's summer home... 

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

51

170th anniversary

OPATIJA

Photos: the Lumiere brothers (top); Kastav Summer of Culture (left); a series of events and fireworks are common in Opatija (right).

The colors of summer

on the Opatija Riviera Its guests included German, Austrian, and Mexican kings, princes, Nobel Prize winners, composers, artists... The long list of its guests includes Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Sissi, authors A. P. Chekhov and James Joyce and composers Gustav Mahler and Giacomo Puccini. They all found their corner of peace, rest, adventure, and inspiration in this little part of Kvarner, on the eastern coast of the Adriatic... Why don't you?

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Opatija Tourist Board / PHOTOnet.hr 52

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

F

irst, they visited it from early autumn to late spring, and then they "discovered" it in the summer as well, so soon, the tourist season in Opatija expanded to the entire year. And so it has remained to present-day. The pleasant and mild climate, manicured parks and promenades, superb hotels, and luxurious villas and summer homes, which will completely drain your camera battery, are just a few of the advantages of "the queen of Croatian tourism", as they like to call it. With reason. This year, Opatija is under the "public eye" more so because it is celebrating its 170th anniversary of tradition in tourism. Read on to find out what's in store for the celebrations in June and July...

From bridge to jazz The summer season will be opened on the Summer Stage on June 5 with a large spectacle by 2 Cellos, the musical duo that has taken the world by storm. The two cello virtuosos will play classical compositions, but also dynamic performances of rock hits. Fans of bridge will definitely be intrigued by the European Team Championship in Bridge, from June 21 to July 2. Those more interested in cycling should definitely be in Matulji on June 25, where the "Cycling Along the Road of Domestic Dishes" will be held, designed as a gathering with tasting autochthonous food and drinks. An event that shouldn't be missed by fans of the sea and

Photos: the regatta in Mošćenička Draga (top left); renowned jazz musicians will perform at the Liburnia Jazz Festival (top right); 2 Cellos will open the summer season at the Summer Stage (bottom left); The Opatija Riviera is a favorite amongst cyclists (bottom right).

tip: Go back to the 1960s and 70s with "RetrOpatija", have your picture taken next to an old timer, get a vinyl record as a souvenir, drink an apricot juice with whipped cream...

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

53

170th anniversary

OPATIJA

Photos: the legendary American disco group Kool & the Gang will get Opatija dancing to their rhythmic hits on July 21.

sailing is the 6th Festival and Regatta of Traditional Sailboats, to be held on July 26 in Mošćenička Draga, followed by a large fish celebration and festival. The fireworks festival, with a performance by the crossbow archers from Rab, knights tournaments, and musical and gourmet specialties, will be held June 28.

On the first weekend of July, from July 4 to 6, Opatija will be filled with jazz.

Renowned jazz musicians will perform at the Liburnia Jazz Festival, and the sounds of jazz will fill nearly every terrace in Opatija, but also the waters surrounding Opatija, since this year the "Jazz Boat" will sail again. Israeli singer Achinoam Nini, better known as Noa, will "warm up" the audience in Opatija with a concert on the Summer Stage on July 5, and once again, she will remind everyone how beautiful life is. The most popular appearance of this singing diva was in 1997 with the song "Life is Beautiful" in the Benigni movie of the same name, which also won an Oscar for best music. Kastav's Summer of Culture, which is traditionally held in the town of Kastav, is just another reason to come to the Opatija Riviera this summer.

54

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Golden Opatija The main event Opatija will celebrate its 170th anniversary of tourism with is Golden Opatija, a three-day artistic-historical spectacle that will take you through the golden era of Opatija's tourism, from the beginning to present-day. On the first day, July 19, the Opatija-Imperial City festival will reveal the very beginnings of tourism in Opatija, introduce you to Opatija's first guests, and the era of Franz Joseph I. The very next day, July 20, RetrOpatija will take you to the more relaxed and leisurely 1960s and 70s. To the time of the famous Opatija festivals, terraces, Ivo Robić, back to the time when Opatija was compared to Monte Carlo. You will also be expected to relax while you pass by parked old timers, buy vinyl records, listen to guys jamming on the beach, nibble on toast, or drink apricot juice with whipped cream. Get a lot of rest that night because the next night, July 21, you'll jump into your dance shoes.

On that day, the story ends in present-day and it will show you Opatija's place on the world map of elite destinations. The legendary American disco group Kool & the Gang, who will visit Opatija as part of their

Photos: Golden Opatija is the main event with which the city will celebrate the 170th anniversary of its tradition in tourism and it will take you back through the golden era of tourism (left); Opatija will play host to many musical events this summer too (right).

Hotel Mozart

O

patija's Hotel Mozart, with five stars, has 29 rooms and suites decorated in the Art Nouveau style. The ambiance of the regal past is complemented with modern amenities: air conditioning, a mini-bar, a safe, a satellite and PAY TV system and WIFI access to a fast internet connection. Most rooms have balconies with beautiful views of the sea, while those without a balcony have a relaxing view of the lush gardens of Opatija's villas and the greenery of the UÄ?ka Nature Park. All rooms are doubles with queen-size or twin beds, and they have been divided into standard, superior, and deluxe categories. Along with the rooms, there are another two hotel suits, and a residential suite. All guests have free wireless internet access. Also, the price of the room includes the use of the spa

PROMO

(infrared and Finnish sauna, Turkish and Japanese bath), and fitness, and the Mozart cosmetic studio is available for all treatments. Guests can enjoy the delicacies of the Fontana restaurant, as well as sweets on Mozart's outdoor seaside terrace or in the intimate garden terrace. The glorious ambiance of the Piano Bar offers relaxing moments, to the sound of Mozart. ď ś

Hotel Mozart, M. Tita 138, 51410 Opatija, Croatia, tel: +385 51 718260, fax: +385 51 271739, info@hotel-mozart.hr, www.hotel-mozart.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

55

170th anniversary

OPATIJA

tip: Enjoy the ballet spectacle of the world's leading stars of ballet, and after that enjoy a gourmet experience in a restaurant on the Opatija Riviera.

concert tour from Rio de Janeiro and Paris to Los Angeles and Amsterdam, will get the Slatina beach dancing with their rhythmic hits.

Global stars in Opatija

Photos: on July 22, the Summer Stage will be "occupied" by the greatest ballet stars in the world (top left); the Opatija Riviera is home to the largest number of superb restaurants "per capita" in Croatia (right); chefs in the superb restaurants skillfully transform autochthonous ingredients into true works of art (bottom left).

56

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

You won't likely dance ballet, but you can enjoy watching it under a starry sky on July 22, when the Summer Stage will be "occupied" by the greatest ballet stars in the world: soloists, champions, and prima ballerinas from the Mikhailovski theater and Marinsky theater from St. Petersburg, the National Opera from Berlin, the Boljšoj Theater from Moscow, the National Ballet from London, and the National Ballet from Amsterdam. A gala evening to remember! Perpetuum Jazzile, the choir that took YouTube by storm, will greet Opatija's guests at the Summer Stage on July 26 with its unique form of expression. Listen to the choir whose video of their rendition of Toto's "Africa" was watched more than 16 million times on YouTube! Another priceless experience will definitely be the concert of New York Voices on July 30.

The gourmet story of the Riviera Besides being known as a vacation, congress, and wellness destination, Opatija is also famous on the world tourism map for its gourmet story. Did you know that James Joyce loved to spend his time in Opatija on the terrace of the Imperial hotel, drinking coffee and enjoying the local specialties? Or that this riviera has the largest number of superb restaurants "per capita" in Croatia?

Chefs of the top-notch restaurants use autochthonous ingredients such as wild asparagus, Kvarner scampi and truffles and transform them into true works of art. However, you can taste them prepared in the traditional, domestic way in many restaurants and taverns. Just like the Kvarner grannies used to prepare them. You will be able to recognize the restaurants that have managed to best fuse Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients by the "Kvarner Gourmet" and "Kvarner Food" signs.

This year, Opatija's gourmet story has been "spiced up" with a festival that all hoteliers and restaurateurs have joined

tip: Take a walk down Lungomare and through Opatija's parks, and get your picture taken with the "Maiden with a Seagull", which is one of Opatija's trademarks...

Photos: the Maiden with a seagull is a notable and one of the most photogenic symbols of Opatija (left), which you will come across while walking down Lungomare (right).

apartments a different vacation experience

PROMO

M

ore than a hundred apartments located at attractive locations in Opatija, Barbariga, ÄŒervar Porat, Mareda, Zaglav, and Gajac can be found in Rona apartment's offer. All the apartments are modernly

equipped, air conditioned, and the offer all the comfort of a luxury vacation.

Experience Opatija in a different way, spend your vacation in a Rona superior apartment, enjoy the carefully cultivated garden, prepare a delicious barbeque for

your family and friends, and relax in the shade of lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Contact us today with confidence, and reserve your perfect location.

Rona apartments - a different vacation experience. ď ś

Rona Trade d.o.o., Nova cesta 119, 51410 Opatija, Croatia, booking@rona.hr, www.rona.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

57

170th anniversary

OPATIJA

Photos: Opatija's restaurants successfully fuse the flavors of the Mediterranean with local ingredients (left); manicured city parks and gardens invite you to walk through them (top); the "Opatijska kamelija cake" (middle); Lungomare is the most popular promenade in Opatija (right).

tip: Do not leave Opatija without tasting the famous Kvarner scampi and the "Opatijska kamelija" cake.

58

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

The "Opatijska kamelija" cake is made exclusively of Mediterranean ingredients according to traditional recipes, and what's interesting is that it remains fresh for a full thirty days.

in on with a clear goal: to make Opatija an even more attractive destination for gourmet experiences. Local specialties with Kvarner scampi, wild asparagus, or Lovran cherries are just part of the offer that will await you on the tables of the riviera. Special menus based on blue fish, Kvarner scampi, and autochthonous ingredients recommended by the chef have been created for every Thursday until June 12.

In any case, don't leave Opatija until you try the famous Kvarner scampi (we recommend you try it "na buzaru") and the "Opatijska kamelija" cake, where figs, almonds, carob, raisins, orange, marzipan, and chocolate will vie for your taste buds' attention. Are you hungry?

A walk along the coast and villas Although most would prefer to lie down and rest after a meal, Opatija's Lungomare will beckon you to come and walk. It's hard to resist this seaside promenade, which stretches from Volosko to Lovran, along many hidden coves, luxurious Art Nouveau villas, flower parks, and reminders of Opatija's past. The Carmen Sylva promenade with the Mala fortica viewpoint is also attractive, and the UÄ?ka Nature Park is also nearby, and it offers many opportunities for recreation: from hiking, gliding, and cycling, to walking down educational trails, parasailing... the choice is yours. ď ś

Click here to see: calendar of events Croatian Museum of Tourism Opatija Festival

Opatija Tourist Board Vladimira Nazora 3 51410 Opatija, Croatia tel. +385 51 271 710 fax. +385 51 271 699 e-mail: info@opatija-tourism.hr www.opatija-tourism.hr

Tourist information center M. Tita 128 51410 Opatija, Croatia tel. +385 51 271 310 fax. +385 51 712 290 e-mail: tic@opatija-tourism.hr

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

59

Events

CRIKVENICA

Ro

be

k

te

nš

rt

Ku

Ph

ot

o:

Frankopan Days in Crikvenica On June 27 and 28, 2014, Crikvenica will take its guests to the world of Frankopan in a special and creative way, and reveal all the secrets of the Middle Ages to them.

The Medieval Fair will be an excellent opportunity to get to know more about old crafts, to discover the secrets of old-fashioned salesmen and their successful selling methods. The knights' camp will definitely intrigue you, while the knights' tournament, night raids, performances by medieval performers, parades of medieval groups, catapult shoots, and fire jugglers will definitely be a special experience. At these 3rd Frankopan Days, the bravest of you will also be able to try to learn new skills at the archery and fencing workshops, while the miniature painting, Glagolitic alphabet, and medieval cooking workshops will be especially interesting. Musicians, singers, actors, and performers will use music, words, and movements to reveal how they had fun, played, socialized, and enjoyed themselves in the Middle Ages. Definitely try the diverse offer of food, which will, through various delicacies and drinks, reveal the luxuriousness of the tastes and scents of yore. See you in Crikvenica! www.rivieracrikvenica.com

60

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

PROMO

Jadran Crikvenica Hotels

A

n oasis of peace, beauty, diversity, and aromas, which will lull you to sleep with lavender, and awaken you with rosemary...

That is the Crikvenica Riviera, where, in its center, surrounded by greenery, you will be awaited by eight hotels, a tourist resort, and camp, friendly staff, and more than 2500 beds ready for your arrival!

They are divided amongst the Hotel Kaštel, Hotel Esplanade, Hotel Omorika, Hotel Zagreb, Hotel International, the Hotel and cabins of Ad Turres, the Kačjak

tourist resort, the Slaven Hotel and cabins, the Varaždin hotel, and Selce camp.

Diverse offer The large offer of excursions for everyone's taste, cultural sites that will take you back to the time of Pavlin and Frankopan, and the scents and tastes of the Mediterranean for the most refined taste buds... Jadran d.d. is all that with its rich, 50-year-long tradition in tourism, which it is celebrating this year with a bunch of various festivals.

Take a walk down the 15 kilometer long coast, take up at least one of the many sports activities, rest and relax on a beach with a blue flag, the sign of superb quality... Come and discover the attractions and interesting features of this riviera, dive into the sea and get to know the magical world of the depths of the sea, have fun at one of the many festivals and events throughout the year... and don't forget to come back again because we are here - for you, and looking forward to your arrival! 

Jadran Crikvenica Hotels, 51260 Crikvenica, Croatia, tel: +385 51 241970, tel: +385 51 455560 (Sales and marketing department), fax: +385 51 241975, e-mail: marketing@jadran-crikvenica.hr, www.jadran-crikvenica.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

61

Active vacation

SVETA NEDELJA & SVETI IVAN ZELINA

Photo: gentle green hills, cottages, and vineyards are typical for the landscapes of Sveta Nedelja and Sveti Ivan Zelina.

62

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Whichever way you go on the green ring of the Zagreb County, you can be sure to be thrilled. This time we present dreamy Sveta Nedelja and the picturesque city of Sveti Ivan Zelina, nestled in gentle winegrowing hills.

SV. NEDELJA & SV. IVAN ZELINA CROATIA

On the picturesque hills of Sveta Nedelja and Zelina Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board and archive of Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

63

Active vacation

SVETA NEDELJA & SVETI IVAN ZELINA

tip: Before touring the hills of Sveta Nedelja, arm yourself with a camera, since the views you will come across are indescribable.

Photos: the Church of the Holy Trinity in Sveta Nedelja (top left); there are three bicycle trails in the city area (bottom left); the lakes in Sveta Nedelja are a favorite amongst fishermen, and every year the Sveta Nedelja fišijada is held on the shores of Rakitje Lake (top and bottom right).

64

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

O

nly 17 kilometers west of the Croatian metropolis, on the west entrance to Zagreb, you will find Sveta Nedelja. It is impossible to pass by this picturesque city, the youngest one in the Zagreb County, and not notice its landscape, which is dominated by the parish Church of the Holy Trinity, which gives it a special something. Alongside the church and chapels, you will also find villas and castles, but also attractive lakes and fishing ponds, hidden glades and aromatic orchards, and truly, a lot of possibilities for an active vacation. Let's start from the beginning...

Indescribable views Three bicycle and six thematic walking paths, with orientation signs, interpretative plaques, and benches to rest on, are more than reason enough for

fans of mountains, but also recreational cycling, as well as pedestrians and hikers, to come to the tame hills of Sveta Nedelja and enjoy the adventure of discovering the indescribable views. For example, next to the Sava River, you can enjoy the Sava-Sveta Nedjela Lake bicycle path, a favorite amongst recreational athletes and families. Those who head out to the recreational walking paths should prepare themselves for incredible views, since these hills offer a view of all four sides of the world. If you would like to eternalize the magnificent view of Zagreb, Medvednica, Slovenia, Samobor, and Samoborsko gorje, definitely take a camera with you.

Fisherman's paradise Besides being popular amongst cyclists and pedestrians, the area surrounding Sveta Nedelja is especially popular

amongst fishermen. The lakes in Rakitje, Strmec, Orešje, and Kerestinec are regularly a "magnet" for recreational fishermen, as well as for sports fishermen who are well aware that the population of these lakes includes prime specimens of carp, grass carp, and other fish. The popularity of this area amongst fishermen is best proven by the Sveta Nedelja fišijada, a traditional festival that is held on the shores of the Rakitje Lake in early September. There, forty teams compete in making the best fish stew, and visitors are also attracted by the cooking of fish stew in the biggest cauldron in Croatia, which holds 600 liters!

If fishing, cycling, hiking, and walking aren't enough to raise your adrenaline, head over to the Sveta Nedelja Adrenaline Center. The Center offers, amongst other things, an adrenaline park, quad driving, mini golf, archery, and scavenger hunts.

Ethno and gourmet center Cultural heritage buffs will also find something for themselves here. Along with the already mentioned church, definitely take a tour of the Chapel of St. Rocco, with its impressive Baroque altar, and interesting organs, along with the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene in Mala Gorica, where part of the legendary movie "Svoga tela gospodar" was filmed.

The church house - Crkvenjak and Erdödy family castle in Kerestinec, are also valuable examples of the cultural heritage of Sveta Nedelja.

To find out how famous the city is for gastronomy, visit the Orešje Lake on June 8, 2014, where the "Dragi naš kaj" gourmet ethno festival will be held. The gourmet-ethno presentation of life in the village with seven village estates, a farm animal zoo, an exhibition of vintage tractors, a display of 200 firelock shooters, old folk games, domestic products... that's just a part of what awaits you at the festival.

In the city of knights On the other side of the county, only a half-hour drive from the center of Zagreb, you will find the tame winegrowing slopes of Sveti Ivan Zelina. It is a story intertwined with tradition and folklore, high-quality wine, and sports, and various other events... and the story of the Knights of Zelingrad.

tip: On Sunday, June 8, visit the "Dragi naš kaj" festival, get to know more about the ethno and gourmet offer of Sveta Nedelja.

Photos (from top to bottom): the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene in Mala Gorica; the adrenaline park; the Erdödy family castle in Kerestinec; the "Dragi naš kaj" gastro-ethno festival.

The "Zagreb" auto camp, the first four-star camp in the Zagreb County and in the vicinity of Zagreb, will soon open its gates on the shores of Rakitje Lake. It will have 50 modernly equipped lots and four bungalows, a restaurant, a wellness center, wine cellar, and many sports-recreational facilities.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

65

Active vacation

SVETA NEDELJA & SVETI IVAN ZELINA

Zelina's wine story

Photos: The International Knight's Tournament is one of the trademarks of Sveti Ivan Zelina (top left); the Church of St. John the Baptist in the center of the city (top right); the ruins of the old city of Zelingrad (bottom left); Zelina vineyards (bottom right).

tip: Fans of good wine should definitely visit Sveti Ivan Zelina from June 6 to 8, where the wine fair will be held. Don't miss out on St. John's Days either, from June 21 to 24.

66

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

The forests of the hills of Zelina, on the northern part of city, hide the ruins of the old city of Zelingrad. Tour the remains of its defense towers, its courtyards, and the complex with a water cistern, so that you can better understand and experience the story of the Knights of Zelingrad and their role in the fervent representation of life in medieval Zelingrad.

While visiting various festivals and tournaments throughout the entire year, members of this association skillfully reconstruct historical events and organize medieval battles, both in Croatia, and abroad. Still the peak of their activities every year is the International Knight's Tournament, which will be held in the city from May 23 to 25. At this tournament, the largest in Croatia for the number of visiting groups, a total of 35 groups of knights, archers, and artists from Poland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and other countries, have participated. Visitors can, amongst other things, try fencing, archery, and catapulting, and many have delighted their taste buds with the various medieval delicacies.

Along with the knights, the other trademark of the city is the Zelina wine road, which passes through the winegrowing communities of the Zelina area. Enter the cellars and cottages of Zelina's eleven winemakers, walk through their vineyards, taste homemade specialties and superb wines of the most popular sorts of wine in the world. The ace amongst them is Kraljevina, an autochtonous sort that is often called the "Queen of Prigorje", since it is most popular in the Prigorje region. This gentle, smooth, and refreshing wine is also the trademark wine of the Zagreb County.

Continuing with its long tradition of winemaking, every year an exhibition of wine of continental Croatia is held in Sveti Ivan Zelina. This year, the exhibition, the 46th in a row, will be held from June 6 to 8, and once again it will bring together the winemakers and viticulturists of the continental region of Croatia, wine experts, and fans of good wine. Due to great interest, the exhibition has turned into a fair of wine and winemaking equipment.

A rich program, free concerts, a folklore performance, artistic youth programs, children's play groups, performances, exhibitions, a bicycle race, a knight's program, sports events, and much more await you in this city at St. John's Days from June 21 to 24. The event is traditionally held for the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city. Don't miss it. ď ś

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel.: +385 1 4873665, fax: +385 1 4873670 e-mail: info@tzzz.hr, www.tzzz.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

67

Events

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photo: Knights' tournament in Gornja Stubica.

A range of events in the hills of Zagorje Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

This June and July, an 'explosion' of diverse events awaits you amongst the tame hills of Zagorje. The knights' tournament will take you back to the Middle Ages, the Štruklijada will force you to try Zagorje's recognizable gourmet trademark, the Night of Krapina's Neanderthal will introduce you to the life of Neanderthals and there will also be film nights, songs, dance, sports activities... So add this region and its events to your planners and head out to the northwestern part of Croatia.

68

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

T

he events in June will start out in the sign of wine, at the 2014 Bedekovčina Wine Fair, which will take place on the lakes in Bedekovčina from June 6 to 8. At the same time, from June 6 to 8, the town of Klanjec invites you to the Days of Antun Mihanović, an event dedicated to the life and work of the author of the Croatian national anthem, where cultural programs and concerts will intertwine.

Songs will "occupy" Terme Tuhelj on June 7, where the 5th International Choir Festival "Zlatna lipa Tuhlja" will be held. Twenty choirs, more than 500 competitors from Croatia and abroad, and a lot of songs await you then in this part of Croatian Zagorje. One week later, on June 14, 'jump' into your sportswear, get on your bike, and join the bike tour in Marija Bistrica. It will be an excellent chance to explore the idyllic landscape of this county on two wheels.

Return to the time of knights Have the era of knights and mysterious Middle Ages always attracted you? Then make sure you visit Gornja Stubica on June 14, where a knights' tournament will be held at the Peasant's Revolt Museum. Here you will see knights on horses and their jousting tournament, a medieval fair, military camps of various knights' societies, medieval music, games, performances, and a knights' tournament for the youngest visitors.

The bravest visitors will have the opportunity to try archery and sword fighting, and it will also be an opportunity to make your own armor or crest.

At the same time, from June 13 to 15, movie buffs will gather within the sturdy walls of the Veliki Tabor castle in Desinić, where the Tabor Film Festival, an international short-movie festival, will be held. Alongside the competitive

part of the program, and a retrospective of renowned Croatian and foreign filmmakers, various workshops will also be held, and everything will be accompanied by a musical program.

Another event that shouldn't be missed is the Night of the Krapina Neanderthal, on June 21, in Krapina. In a fun and educational way, through workshops, play groups and performances, the hosts at the museum will show you the life the Neanderthals led, and there will also be music. If you have nothing against tasting local culinary delicacies of Gubec's area, prepared homemade style, then Majsecov mlin in Donja Stubica is the place to be on June 14.

"Stubički oblizeki" (Stubica's Delicacies) is the name of this day-long event, which will be accompanied by an entertaining program.

The World Championship in ski skating, with two races held in Oroslavlje (Stubičke toplice) and one held on the mountain trail on Sljeme, is scheduled

Photos: various dance, wine, and sports events await you in Croatian Zagorje throughout June and July.

tip: Visit Gornja Stubica on June 14, face the knights, and discover what life was like in the Middle Ages.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

69

A total of 102 experts of traditional and artistic trades attended the 13 "Triennial of Zagorje's souvenirs", where they brought many souvenirs made of natural and recycled materials, metal, glass, polymer clay... After the exhibition in the Peasants' Revolt Museum in Gornja Stubica in early July, the souvenirs will also be displayed in the Krapina Town Gallery in Krapina, and at the UNESCO Souvenir Market at the Kumrovec "Staro selo" Museum in Kumrovec.

Photos: pumpkin seed cake (top left); you will be able to taste the delicacies of Zagorje at many events (top right); štrukli, Zagorje's gastro brand (bottom left); in this region, you will come across an entire range of diverse souvenirs (bottom right).

from June 20 to 22. The International Folklore Festival will get Gornja Stubica dancing on June 28, while the XIII Zagorje triathlon will be held on June 29. From June to August, fans of classical music, rock, jazz, and spiritual music will be able to enjoy musical delights at the "Summer at Oršič Castle - Subtilia 2014" musical festival. The experience will be even greater since it will be held at Oršić Castle, a valuable cultural monument.

Štruklijada in Marija Bistrica tip: Come to Štruklijada July 12 and try zagorske štrukle, this region's gastro brand, famous far and wide.

70

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

July in Zagorje will also excite you. At the "Summer in Marija Bistrica" festival, which will last from June 7 to August 3, the following events will take place: "Odškrinute dveri bistričke" (July 4), 28. Gathering of Folklore Societies (July 6), Candlelight walk from Marija Bistrica to Vinski Vrh (July 12), In Search of Old Traditions (July 12 and 13).

Fans of vintage cars will definitely be thrilled by the Old-timer meeting "Zabok-Ljutomer-Graz 2014", which will

Photo: Ivica Mesar

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photo: Martin Turk

Events

be held on July 5 and 6 in Zabok. The Štruklijada, one of the favorite festivals of both the hosts and visitors, is scheduled to take place only a few days later, on July 12. Be in Marija Bistrica that day, try zagorske štrukle, Zagorje's gastro brand famous far and wide, and watch the competition between restaurateurs from the Zagorje region as they prepare this delicacy in their fight to win the title of "Top Štrukli of Zagorje".

You can enjoy many cultural, entertaining, gourmet, wine, and sports activities, and performances of leading Croatian stars, from July 17 to 21 in Krapinske Toplice, where Badl Fest will be held. The festival is held in honor of Jakob Badl, the founder of health tourism in this town. A fun atmosphere, plenty of music and dance, majorette performances, and a spectacular firework show exactly at midnight also awaits you on July 26 in Terme Tuhelj, as a part of Tuhelj nights. Come and relax in Zagorje's summer... 

Photo: Martin Turk

Zagorje - A fairy tale at hand Tourist Board of Krapina-zagorje County Krambergerova 1 49000 Krapina, Croatia tel: +385 49 233653 info@tzkzz.hr

www.tzkzz.hr

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

71

Experience Croatia

DARUVAR

Over the centuries, the Daruvar area has been inhabited by people from various areas, so even today, members of about 20 nations live in the area, mostly Croats, Czechs, and Serbs. Don't be surprised if while walking through town you often hear the local people speaking Czech.

A holiday at the hot springs Perhaps Daruvar hasn't been on your top ten list of destinations to spend your vacation in. But how well do you truly know what is hidden in that city, whose name in Hungarian translates to "the Crane's city" or the "Castle of the Crane"?

Photos: The Central Mud Bath in Julijev Park (top left); the "Bather", a symbol of Daruvar and the Daruvar Spa (top right).

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Daruvar - Papuk Tourist Board and archive of Daruvar Spa

I

t was given the name by Count Antun Janković, who is responsible for the appearance of Daruvar, after he built a castle there. The people of Daruvar will gladly tell you how the count had the first trees planted in Julijev Park, today the central city oasis and one of the oldest healing garden parks in continental Croatia. It contains around 60 different plant species, amongst which you can find a plane tree, wild chestnut, and hornbeam from 1762. A walk through this Baroque park will reveal a lot about this primarily spa-oriented city located at therapeutic hot springs.

Baths and villas Although presently the baths in the park are unfortunately closed to the public, nothing can stop you from walking

72

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

through them and 'listening' to their story. Start from Antun's baths, the first bathhouse in the park, which was once the bathing spot for regular folk. In front of it is the therapeutic hot spring (43°C), which can be drunk, and if you wish, you can also put a teabag in it. You will recognize Ivanovo vrelo, better known as the "Wishing Well", for its round pool, surrounded by a metal fence. Today, visitors toss coins for good luck and fulfilled wishes into the pool, where the water temperature also exceeds 40°C. In front of the restaurant in the park, in the deep shade of the trees, you will also come across Marija's bath.

Although the spring has been sealed off, it is recognizable for its elliptical shape, and its protective iron fence. Still, the most recognizable building, and also the symbol of the city spa, is the Central Mud

Bath. It was built in the Moorish style, at the site of the former wooden Anina bath. It is special for its artificial boulder made of large stones, with a cool jet that offered refreshment. Along with the lush vegetation, the romantic ambiance of the park is added to by the Swiss Villa, a Swiss-style summer house with a wooden porch, and the Vila Arcadia, which currently houses suites of the Daruvar Spa. The "Bather", a sculpture of a nude woman next to a small fountain, which has become a symbol of Daruvar and the Daruvar Spa, also vies for attention amongst the baths. The citizens fondly call her "Sad Mara", and she was made by famous Croatian sculptor Antun Augustinčić.

tip: Take a walk through Julijev Park, try the water from the spring in front of Antun's Bath and toss a coin into the wishing well for good luck.

Bathing in thermal water It is absolutely logical that this city, located on thermal springs, which has always been used for therapy and rehabilitation, but also baths and drinking water, has always been strongly focused on the development of health tourism. The main representative of spa tourism is the Daruvar Spa, a special institution for therapeutic rehabilitation, located in the northeastern part of town.

In it centuries-old park, full of exotic trees and flowers, there are two buildings with accommodations, along with restaurant, and many facilities and health programs: from those for rheumatic ailments to wellness programs, and training for athletes. The people of Daruvar are also especially proud of their thermal water park "Aquae Balissae", located about 300 meters from the center of the city, with more than two thousand square meters of water surfaces open in the summer months. Here you will find two pools, a calm river, water slides, a restaurant and a pool bar. In the indoor area are pools and slides, a cave, whirlpool, massage pools, geysers, saunas... and the park uses only thermal water from one of the city's springs.

Photos: the Vila Arcadia in Julijev Park (top); a crane (middle left) and the Swiss villa (middle right) are also inhabitants of the park; the "Aquae Balissae" thermal water park awaits you with pools, a calm river, slide, restaurant and pool bar (bottom left and right).

Once located in the family crest of the Janković family, today the crane is an integral part of the crest of the city of Daruvar. A statue of a crane will greet you in Julijev Park in the center of the city, and its position, turned to the right, with one leg up in the air, represents constant vigilance while on guard.

The oldest Ginkgo biloba in Croatia Besides its baths and hot springs, Daruvar also has other interesting features.

Today, concerts of classical music are still held in the concert hall of the Baroque Janković castle, as they were in the past. Once there, definitely stop by June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

73

Experience Croatia

DARUVAR

The Ginkgo biloba is the oldest type of tree in the world, which has existed for more than 200 million years. The tree in Daruvar is the largest and oldest in Croatia, and the second oldest in Europe.

Photos: the Janković family castle (top left); the oldest Ginkgo biloba tree in Croatia (top right); the wine salon in the Janković castle (middle left); on the Daruvar wine road you can taste superb wines and cheeses (top middle and middle right).

Upon inhabiting the Daruvar area with Czech immigrants, Count Janković used their knowledge in the production of beer. The result? The Daruvar brewery, which, with a 170-year long tradition, is the oldest Croatian brewery.

We recommend a tour of the brewery and a tasting of Staročeško pivo.

74

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

the castle garden, in front of the south entrance to the castle to have a look at the two specimens of the Ginkgo biloba deciduous tree, originally from western China. They are the oldest specimens in Croatia! Besides the already mentioned Julijev Park, you can also enjoy the aromatic vegetation of Daruvar in the Roman forest, a favorite amongst walkers, recreational athletes, and passersby. The forest actually connects the city center with the famous Daruvar vineyard, where a completely different story of Daruvar begins...

Daruvar's wine story For centuries, grapevines have been cultivated in the area surrounding Daruvar, on the sunny hills of Papuk, resulting in high-quality wines, known far and wide. Along with the superb sorts of Sauvignon, Graševina, Chardonnay, and Rhine Riesling, wine aficionados definitely

Photo: Ivica Ivesa

tip: On Saturday, June 7, 2014, you can reach Daruvar from Zagreb with the "Vinodar Express", a train that leaves Zagreb's main train station at 9:00.

The price of a return ticket is a symbolic 10 kuna.

should try the Sauvignon Blanc and some of the late and selected harvests.

The Daruvar wine roads start in the center of town and have seven various points, amongst which is the cheese factory, which isn't strange considering that cheese and wine have always gone together well. The fact that the first Wine Salon in Croatia was opened in Daruvar in 2012 is proof of how well known the city is as a wine center.

In cultivating the high-quality and diverse winemaking story of their region, every year, the hosts traditionally organize "Vinodar", the most important festival of Daruvar's wineries and winemakers. This year, the 16th international festival of wine, and the fair of traditional products of the Bjelovarbilogora County, "Vinodar 2014", will be held from May 31 to June 8. The first part of the week will be dedicated to the education of winemakers and viticulturists, while in the second part of the week, the main city square will become the center of various events.

A diverse offer of wine and food, souvenirs, crafts, and domestic products, an amusement park for the youngest, dance performances by foreign and domestic folklore ensembles, and free concerts from popular domestic bands in the evening hours are just some of the reasons to visit Daruvar at that time. 

Daruvar - Papuk Tourist Board Julijev park 1, 43500 Daruvar, Croatia, tel: +385 43 331382, e-mail: turizam@daruvar.hr, tic@daruvar.hr

www.visitdaruvar.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

75

ĐURĐEVAC Photo: Sergio Gobbo, archive of the Croatian National Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

Photos: the center of Đurđevac (top left); the Old Town (top right); one of the galleries in the Old Town (bottom left); the "Sveta Ana" excursion area (bottom right).

To the city of sand dunes, legends, and "Picoki" Did you know that Croatia has its own desert? It's hidden between the Drava River and the forested Bilogora, in the Podravina valley, near the city of Đurđevac.

Get to know the "Croatian Sahara" and the "City of Roosters"...

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Đurđevac Tourist Board

The Old Town fortress was built as the consequence of the threatening Turkish danger and the constant conflict between magnates.

76

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

B

etween the flood plains, the mountainous Bilogora, fertile fields, mystical forests, and unique sandy area... you will find Đurđevac. It might sound like the beginning of a fairytale, but the story of this city isn't far from that. The values and traditions of Đurđevac were also recognized at the European level, so in 2008, the city was awarded the status of "European Destination of Excellence" for the preservation and cultivation of intangible cultural heritage. Find out why...

Old Town There are many attractions and interesting sites you should see in the city, and one of them, which you will see on absolutely every postcard and travel brochure on Đurđevac is its Old Town.

Since the people of Đurđevac are famous for the preservation of their tradition and history, for years they have carefully taken care of one the most famous and oldest fortresses in continental Croatia.

You can see it in the very center of the

Photos: the St. Ana watermill (top left); the "Croatian Sahara" or "Sands of Đurđevac" are a unique natural phenomenon in Croatia (bottom left and right).

tip: Take a walk barefoot through the soft sand, but in the hot summer months, when the sun heats things up, definitely put on a pair of shoes to walk through the Croatian desert.

city. It is photogenic from the outside, and interesting on the inside, where it accommodates four art galleries, of which one houses the permanent exhibition of Croatian naive artist, Ivan Lacković Croata.

Within the thick walls of the old town, there are more than a thousand paintings and works of by about 200 authors from 20 countries worldwide.

ground at the water mill, and water from the nearby spring, which the people of Sveta Ana claim has not only refreshing, but also aphrodisiac powers, mixed together make "zlevanka". Try the oldfashioned domestic treat, which has its own festival, "Zlevanka Days" in July, and which the people of Sveta Ana will offer you at all festivals, and at any time.

An excursion to Sveta Ana

The Croatian Sahara

Đurđevac is also popular amongst excursionists. In the greenery and peace of the slopes of Bilogora, far from ringing mobile phones and daily stress, the friendly and hardworking people of Đurđevac's smallest suburban community, Sveta Ana, await you. Take a walk down the hiking-educational trail, next to the chapel of St. Anthony, awaken the adventurer within you at the Tybonynz ruins, the remainder of a fortress, or simply climb up to the viewpoint, from where you will have Podravina "at the palm of your hand". If you're not into long walks, you can find peace within the St. Ana church, or the sound of the water running over the waterwheel, next to the Sveta Ana waterwheel. Corn flour, freshly

If you head east from Đurđevac to the town of Kalinovac, you will reach the "Croatian Sahara", officially called the "Sands of Đurđevac". This desert is a protected geographical-botanical reserve, and is a unique natural phenomenon in Croatia. The sands were formed by the piling of sediment from glaciers in the distant past, and over the centuries, strong winds from the Alps shifted the sands and formed unique desert shapes - dunes. Interestingly enough, at the time, the height of the dunes in some places reached 80 meters!

The people of Podravina spent a lot of time battling the loose, slippery sand, which the wind blew around from time to time, so that it would cover the yard, got

the Đurđevac sands spread out over an area of about 20 hectares, and today you can walk, ride your bicycle, and drive and all-terrain vehicle on its trails.

the nickname "bloody sand". Gradually, with tedious and long-lasting planting off fragrant pine wood, acacia, and broom bushes, the hardworking people of Đurđevac managed to tame the sands. Although the sandy hills don't really resemble the dunes of the Sahara, and due to the foresting, the vision of expansive deserts has diminished, it is a true delight to walk barefoot on this soft sand. Even if only to dream of distant, vast, African deserts and the caravans that pass through them in the distance.

The flora of this reserve is also diverse, and amounts to a hundred plant types, while the most populous animal species are large butterflies, with

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

77

ĐURĐEVAC Photo: archive of Hotel Picok, Đurđevac

Experience Croatia

Photos: Hotel "Picok" (top left); the ethno thatch house and the ethno collection (bottom left and middle); a boy in a folk costume with a rooster, or "picok" (right).

over 500 types living here. The sands of Đurđevac are definitely most attractive in the spring, when they are dotted with the open-bloomed broom, and when the spring breeze carries the scent of the just-bloomed acacia.

In picturesque surroundings

The art of making and playing cimbaloms has a long tradition in the area of Podravina surrounding Đurđevac, and members of the Croatian Association of Cimbalom players are credited for making sure that skill isn't forgotten.

78

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Continue travelling south of Đurđevac to the village of Čepelovac, famous for the country residence of the Trezić family, called "Barnagor Court". According to stories, the building was built according to the design of Knight Petar von Trezić, who got his title and the property for his merit at the battle of Solferin in 1859.

The villa is located where it should be: in picturesque surroundings, on a hill surrounded by an English park, orchard, meadows, and woods.

Besides being interesting as a building, the villa is the location for several events throughout the entire year: an exhibition of artistic photos, a photo safari, pottery workshops, book promotions, and ethnic music. Here you can also buy ceramic souvenirs, various badges, and books.

You can experience the ethnic story of

this area in the Ethnographic Collection of Slavko Čamba, with more than a thousand different ethnographic items from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century. This artist, enamored with his region, organized and preserved them so that today everyone who visits can clearly see the hard village life the people of Đurđevac and Podravina lived. In the indoor part of the collection, you can see traditional living quarters with typical furnishings, and various tools.

The outdoor part of the collection is especially interesting, with a wooden house with a thatched roof from the 18th century, and a yard enclosed with a thatch fence. You can also have a look at a country well, a bread oven, basket for corn, a blacksmith shop, and a barn with a lot of tools. The collection has been enlisted in the Croatian Register of Cultural Goods.

Part of the register of all visitors to Đurđevac is the four-star "Picok" hotel.

It is located in the close vicinity of the Old Town and main city square, and its harmony of traditional and modern, superb service with gourmet delights regularly thrill Đurđevac's guests. 

The Legend of the Picoks The Legend of the Picoks has lived with the people of Podravina for nearly five centuries, and is based on historical happenings in the 16th century, when the Ottoman threat knocked on the door of the tame and friendly region of Podravina.

The Ottomans besieged the Old Town fortress for a long time, waiting for the defenders to run out of food. The exhausted defenders took the advice of an elderly lady from Đurđevac, and as their last hope, they catapulted their last rooster (picok) to the Turkish camp. The disappointed Turks, thinking that the defenders could last a siege for a lot longer, gave up on the siege with the curse of the powerful Ulam Beg, and the old town of Đurđevac was never conquered! The historical happenings and legend became the basis for a play, which is the central part of one of the oldest festivals in Croatia, Picokijada. Đurđevac - the Rooster Town, 2008 European Destination of Excellence.

Everyone to the Picokijada

Tourist Board of Đurđevac Podravina areas Stjepana Radića 1, 48350 Đurđevac, Croatia, tel/fax: +385 48 812046, mob: +385 99 7090670, e-mail: tzdjurdjevac@gmail.com www.facebook.com/durdevac. touristboard

www.djurdjevac.hr www.picokijada.com

Today, one of the strongest trump cards and tourist brands of Đurđevac is Picokijada, a cultural-historical, folklore, ethnographic, gourmet, sports, entertainment, and tourism spectacle, which is visited by more than 30 thousand domestic and foreign guests every year. More than three thousand participants participate at the event every year, which thrill the visitors with more than 40 various performances.

This year, the festival will be held from June 27 to 29, during which you will be able to experience the customs and folk heritage of the people of Podravina, the parade of decorated floats, following the old, but not forgotten traditions and folk costumes, and to see how fields were cultivated. You will also have the opportunity to try traditional specialties: from chicken dishes to cakes prepared according to old-fashioned recipes. Depictions of old crafts, a military camp, country years, a pageant for the prettiest rooster in Podravina, folklore evenings, and plays, are just part of what you will see in Đurđevac those days.

Hotel Picok ◆ Trg sv. Jurja 9 ◆ 48350 Đurđevac ◆ Croatia ◆ tel: +385 (0)48 672200 ◆ fax: +385 (0)48 811505 e-mail: info@hotel-picok.hr ◆ www.hotel-picok.hr June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

79

UNESCO

DIOCLETIAN'S PALACE AND MEDIEVAL SPLIT

A walk through

Diocletian's Split Photos: Split's Peristil, the square in front of the St. Domnius cathedral (left); the cathedral of St. Domnius, the patron saint of Split (right).

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, archive of Split Tourist Board

80

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

O

nce you arrive in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, and second-largest in Croatia, you will be convinced that the Romans left a strong impression on Croatian soil. It is unique for many things, firstly for Diocletian's palace from the 4th century, which is what launched

the development of the city, and which marks the center of the city today.

If you duck into its Roman walls, you will come across many diverse architectural examples of early Christian, Byzantine, and early medieval art. You will also see Romanesque churches and medieval fortresses, Gothic, Renaissance, and

Of the seven Croatian sites on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, three sites are in the Split-Dalmatia County. We wrote about Starogradsko polje and the historical center of Trogir in previous issues, so it is time we introduced you to another site in the county: Diocletian's palace and medieval Split.

Baroque palaces and the Cathedral of St. Domnius (St. Duje), which amongst European cathedrals, has the oldest building as headquarters: the mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian. Masses are still regularly held in the cathedral, and on the feast day of St. Domnius, the patron saint of Split, a formal procession is held.

Four gates - four stories In the medieval center of Split, you will come across four gates: Golden, Silver, Iron, and Brass, each of which have their own story. For example, Emperor Diocletian entered the palace in the year 305 through the ornate golden gate, build for defense. The silver gate is not as ornate, but is just as important as the golden gate. They were also built for defense, but what is interesting is that today every passerby starts walking on the original ancient sidewalk, the decamanus, from that gate. It is, actually, the best place to "feel" the dimensions of the Roman boulevard.

Of all the gates, the iron gates were the only ones to endure life all 17 centuries. Since they were opened, various nations passed through them: Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Avars, Tatars, Slavs, Turks, Italians, the French, and Croats. However, besides Croats, today

tourists from all over the world also pass through the gates. The brass gate is completely different from the first three, and it was often doused by the sea due to the south winds. Besides being smaller in dimension, this gate is also special in that it had access to the sea. It also had a security function, and ensured escape via the sea if the palace were to be attacked. Today, this gate is considered to be the "main" gate since tourists most often head out on their adventure tours of medieval Split, accompanied by their tour guides, from them.

Peristil, the heart of Split While walking through the old part of Split, you definitely should stop by Peristil, the square in front of the St. Domnius cathedral, which the people of Split consider to be the center of Split. In the past, Diocletian used to make appearances there, and today, actors, singers, and various performers appear there in front of the people of Split and their guests, since it was made to be a stage due to its beauty and incredible acoustics.

In the past, the residential part of the palace could be reached from Peristil through Vestibul, a monumental and ancient empirical foyer. Don't miss out on that interesting piece of

tip: While walking through the ancient part of Split, definitely pass down Peristil, have your picture taken next to the cathedral of St. Domnius, duck into Diocletian's cellars, where various events are often held...

Photos: a panoramic view of the center of Split and the promenade (left); a popular location for taking pictures of Split is the Marjan hill (right).

architecture, square on the outside, and circular on the inside. Also take a walk by Jupiter's temple, which was once used to celebrate Jupiter's cult, and later, in the late Roman age, it was turned into a baptistery. It is opened only once a year, on June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist.

Another valuable part of Diocletian's palace are its cellars, which had the function of raising the area of the emperor's residence in the upper floor. They were also used as residences, and items for producing oil and wine were found in one of its halls. Today, various exhibitions, and often theatrical performances, are held in the cellars. ď ś June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

81

Croatia through philately

LIGHTHOUSES Presenting postage stamps

j a r u ć u S

tower, surrounded by a garden of century-old salt cedar trees, turns at 14 meters above sea level.

The oldest portrait of a ship in Europe

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

If you head over to the easternmost point of the island of Hvar, where the island is closest to the mainland, you will come across the Sućuraj lighthouse. It is located about five hundred meters from the town of the same name by a gravel road built during the Austro-Hungarian empire, as was the lighthouse. Up until the 1990s, a crew lived at the lighthouse, and they moved away once the lights were automated. tip: The stamp was issued in 2013, and philatelists in Croatia can get the stamp in Croatian Post's postal offices.

Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr

82

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

S

ince 1874, when it was built, this automated lighthouse has played an important role in night navigation towards the Neretva delta, and acts as an orientation point for sailing through three important sea channels. It is located about ten meters from the sea, surrounded on three sides by a rocky coastline, while a massive stone wall partially protects it from waves. The light in the four-sided stone

The lighthouse building and tower are the best preserved historical monument on this part of the island of Hvar. Along with the mentioned road that leads from the lighthouse garden to the picturesque fishing and tourist village of Sućuraj, a path also leads from the lighthouse to the village of Sveti Juraj and the famous Grapčeva špilja.

The cave is one of the oldest sites on the Adriatic and Mediterranean, and is located at 239 meters above sea level. According to legend, the battle between Odysseus and Polyphemus took place there. Archeological artifacts from the 4th millennium B.C. were also found there, and a special attraction is the oldest known picture of a ship in Europe, from the Neolithic Era, engraved into a part of a large vase.

The first pictures of ships in Sweden appeared later, during the Bronze Age. The waters surrounding the Sućuraj lighthouse are a favorite area for fishermen who 'occupy' this area every evening when the lighthouse lights are turned on. Today, the lighthouse is rented out to tourists, and it also has a storage area, a boat winch, and its own water cistern.

Stamps named "Lighthouses" were issued by the Croatian Post with motives of the Pločica, Stončica, and Sućuraj lighthouses on September 26, 2013. They were issued in 100 thousand copies per motive, 48.28 mm x 29.82 mm in size, and a first day cover (FDC) was also issued. The author is Orsat Franković, a designer from Zagreb, and the photographer is Andrija Carli, from Split. 

TOP

offers Pho

to

arc

hiv

e: J

adr

an

Cri

kve

nic

Pho t Ho o arch tels i & R ve: Va eso lam rts ar a

Special offer of the Slaven and Omorika hotels This June, the Crikvenica Riviera awaits you with special offers once again. From June 1 to 21, the newly renovated Slaven Hotel, located only 50 meters from the beach in the picturesque seaside town of Selce, offers its guests half-board service, with a rich breakfast and dinner, starting at 216 kuna per person in a double room.

Treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation in the pleasant ambiance of this completely renovated hotel. The Omorika hotel, located only two kilometers from the center of Crikvenica, has prepared a special offer for its guests for the period from June 1 to 18.

Accommodations for two persons for three nights with half-board service, a rich buffet breakfast and dinner, beverages with dinner, and a day of complimentary use of two lounge chairs and a beach umbrella start at 1154 kuna. Come and enjoy this hotel, surrounded

by Mediterranean vegetation and located near a pebble beach, known far and wide for its location, which offers a fantastic view of the sea and the island of Krk. Find out more at: www.jadran-crikvenica.hr

Special offer in Hotel & Casa Valamar Sanfior 4* Pho

to

arc

hiv

e: L

oši

nj H

ote

ls &

Vill

as

New treat on Lošinj: Hotel Bellevue 5* Nestled in a pine forest, in the close vicinity of the clear sea of the Čikat cove on the island of Lošinj is the new, luxurious hotel Bellevue. It'll open its doors to guests in July 2014 in its new sophisticated ambiance. The new Hotel Bellevue is the first fivestar hotel on this island and is a true hedonistic paradise for all fans of healthy vacations. With spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, delicacies to snack on in the bar, and various beauty treatments in the elegant Spa Clinic, the Bellevue will set new standards for vacations, which is best described by the new slogan: "a natural ease of enjoyment". On this island, known far and wide for its healing climate, the guests of the Bellevue will be able to totally relax in the luxurious spa, wellness and beauty oasis. Visit the Hotel Bellevue and experience the natural ease of enjoyment.

Reserve your stay before June 15 and get a 20 percent 'preopening' discount.

Hotel & Casa Valamar Sanfior 4* is located in the shade of a green pin forest, next to the sea, on an idyllic peninsula that offers a spectacular view of Rabac's bay and the sunny islands of Kvarner. The rooms are modernly equipped and offer a beautiful view of the sea or pine forest, which will fill you with positive energy daily. Fans of a wealth of gourmet options, wellness, the vicinity of beautiful beaches and guaranteed fun for children of all ages, will definitely enjoy their time at this hotel. The hotel has prepared a special offer for its guests for the period from June 28 to August 4, 2014. If you stay 7 nights or longer, you get a 10 percent discount! The price, starting at 106,20 € per night, includes accommodations in a double room, with a park-side view, and half-board service.

Find out more at: www.valamar.com

Find out more at: www.losinj-hotels.com

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

83

Croatia

ONLINE mobile applications

Applications with a lot of content This time, we present you two mobile applications with a lot of interesting and useful information, which, we believe, will help you explore one coastal, and one continental Croatian pearl: Dubrovnik and the Virovitica-Podravina County.

Screenshot showing the application on an iPad screen.

APPLICATI Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

84

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Dubrovnik Guide

Drava Papuk

"Dubrovnik Guide" is a mobile application in English for iOS and Android devices that will reveal the best of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia, to you. Here you will find a list of beaches with short descriptions of them, a list of accommodations, restaurants, clubs and cafés, travel agencies, and excursions near, and slightly further away from the city. The application will show you the most popular attractions and city sites, places to shop, and many other interesting facts, while also allowing you to search for interesting sites near you.

The tourist sites and attractions of the Virovitica-Podravina County will be revealed by the "Drava Papuk" mobile application for iOS and Android devices. In the application, available in Croatian, English, Hungarian, and German, you will find a list of interesting sites, festivals, and events held in the county, as well as a list of activities, accommodations, restaurants, and tourist routes.

Application users will be able to photograph and rate each location, and you can also find the contact information for each site.

CAN CUSTOMERS FIND YOUR WEBSITE?

.

Check your SEO for free.

Send us a link to your website via e-mail on contact@aplitap.com, and we´ll check your SEO, free of charge.

Get your business on the first page of Google. www.aplitap.hr 098/795 784 contact@aplitap.com Zagrebačka cesta 143 A June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

85

Health Tourism

MASSAGES

Relaxation in natural wellness oases Written by: Andreja Milas (www.relaxino.com) â—† Photos: fotolia

Mountains, rivers, lakes, and the sea, where the scent of pines often intertwine with the scents of rosemary, lavender, and sea salt, are true wellness oases. Wherever you go, you won't be making a mistake...

tip: Many wellness packages in several countries can be found at one place at Relaxino.com

86

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

T

he days ahead are getting warmer, vacation season is slowly starting, and we are starting to seek refreshment somewhere on the coast, in the greenery of pines, or in the blue sea, but also next to the rivers and lakes in the cool mountains. However, we don't have to wait for the heat waves to do something good for ourselves.

Each of the mentioned natural oases is actually an outdoor wellness destination, which we often are unaware of. Fresh

air and a change of climate, along with an escape from daily surroundings brings refreshment and renews body energy. At the sea, you will be awaited by the scent of pines, rosemary, and lavender, while the breeze brings the scent of sea salt.

This combination in itself is wellness for the soul. You will often see small wellness corners on beaches throughout the Adriatic, most often tucked into a green area, where they offer the most diverse kinds of massages for relaxing the body.

tip: Treat yourself to a massage somewhere near the sea. Let it be a combination of rosemary, mint and lemon essential oils, or coconut oil.

Treat yourself this summer, lie under the white canopy, listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, and relinquish yourself to the skilled hands of experts who will relax your muscles and pamper your skin with various scents and nourishing oils.

Allow yourself to have a true vacation.

Made for relaxation Essential oils combining rosemary, mint, and lemon, or chamomile and lavender, as well as cucumber and aloe vera are recommended for refreshing summer massages, while the right choice for exotic massages would be coconut oil.

Besides relaxing you, your body will also be regenerated since the sun dries out our skin and creates a feeling of roughness and tautness. Also, summer massages extract heat and stress from the body and release tension. They are designed to pamper, nourish, renew, and rejuvenate the body, and cool it down in the summer months.

Next to rivers and lakes

SUMMER MASSAGES We bring you ideas for some of the more popular summer massages you should enjoy this summer.

Reflex foot massage This massage will stimulate the reflexive areas that affect the activity of internal organs.

Lomi lomi massage In Hawaiian, it means "kissing hands". This unique, rhythmic dancing massage will relax the body, remove tension, renew health, and make you happier.

Shiatsu Shiatsu is a healing skill that originates in Japan. Special pressure on acupressure points results in deep relaxation.

Sawaddee This traditional Thai massage improves the vitality of the entire body, heals spinal ailments, migraines and other types of headaches, and eases tension.

Swedish massage Swedish massage is a name for a group of massage techniques

which basically have the purpose of relaxing the muscles. Emphasis is placed on pressing muscles on deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing them in the direction blood flows into the heart. Four basic techniques are used: long soothing movements, fingers or thumbs are used to rub a part of the body, pinch, or to quickly rub, hit, pound.

Thai massage This massage was created under the influence of Chinese and Indian massage techniques, and it is used for therapeutic purposes. It positively affects the cardiovascular, muscle, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems.

Yanna massage Yanna is a unique massage created based on hammock massages from the Maldives, Tao philosophy, as well as western massage techniques.

It is conducted exclusively on a special mobile chair for Yanna massage, which is movable both vertically and horizontally, which gives the person the feeling that they are on waves.

The massage begins with the application of various essential oils to the chakra, and it completely relaxes and cleanses the body.

More and more, people are escaping to rivers and lakes in the hot summer months. The lush greenery and vicinity of water give a special freshness and humidity. Why, for example, wouldn't you lay down on a small waterfall in a river, a natural massage tool, and let your circulation start working? Lakes are a different story. They give a special feeling of tranquility and are a true wellness oasis.

Sleeping in such areas in the summer months is incredibly pleasant, just like in the mountains. A special feature of mountain vacations is the temperature, which can be significantly lower at higher ground, which is affected not only by altitude, but also by vegetation to a great degree. Walks, with meditation, will complete the mood of this true wellness vacation. ď ś June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

87

Gourmet Croatia

BJELOVAR-BILOGORA COUNTY

Photos: Bjelovar cutlet (top left); buckwheat štrukli (top middle); Bilogora pie (top right); Czech dumplings with sauce (bottom left); yeast dumplings and venison stew (bottom right).

Food with a taste of tradition

I

t is known that food is a basic human need, and it is a fact that over the past few centuries, the nutritional habits of people have changed. Over time, dishes were adapted in all Croatian counties, just like in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County,

Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Svenibor Pohajda (archive: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board)

88

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

and each of them is unique for their gourmet offer.

Long ago, the area surrounding Bjelovar was part of the military border, which affected the organization of family life, and methods of food preparation and eating culture. At that time, people lived

Polenta with gorgonzola and walnuts, corn crepes with cheese, an apple roll with a vanilla sauce and a cone-shaped cheese, called prge, are just some of the delicacies you can find on the tables of the Bjelovar-Bilogora area. Discover the gourmet side of this county in northwestern Croatia...

Photos: Mazanica (top left); cheese prge (top middle); Bilogorski kovrtanj (top right); Forest cutlet and potato roll (bottom).

in large families, called cooperatives, where the dishes that are still mostly made today in that part of Croatia were created. Of course, in a modernized way since eating habits and people's tastes have changed over time.

According to old recipes A hundred years ago the same ingredients were used in Bjelovar and the surrounding area like today, but the food preparation methods were much simpler. The menus of the time included meat, mostly pork, along with grains and dairy products. In order to help preserve the meat as long as possible (since they didn't have refrigerators or freezers), the meat was cooked, covered in lard, and kept in wooden barrels in dark cellars. Beef was also used, but it was mostly dried, and boiled beef was also "popular".

In order to make it as flavorful as possible, it was cooked together with vegetables, most often onions, garlic, and red paprika. The menu also often included corn grits, or polenta, which was eaten with buttermilk or milk, or sometimes with pork rinds. Cakes were not prepared in those times, and desserts were mostly compotes and various types of marmalades. Over time, the exotic aromas of vanilla, cloves, or cinnamon were added to dishes. In an attempt to combine the traditional dishes of the Bilogora area with modern-day eating methods, new dishes were created, based on old recipes. For example, roasted peppers stuffed with cheese in a garlic marinade, polenta with gorgonzola and walnuts, and an apple roll in vanilla sauce.

Kovrtanj for blessings and good wishes A recognizable dish for this area is cone-shaped cheese, called prge or kvargli. It is made of fresh cow cheese with the addition of salt and red paprika.

When all the ingredients are mixed well, they are shaped into cones, covered in cheesecloth, and air-dried, although they can also be smoked. Here, buckwheat štrukli are also a healthy and famous dish.

Since the Bjelovar-Bilogora County is rich in forests and well known for hunting tourism, part of its gastronomy has been adapted to it. So, you will often find Šumski (forest), Bjelovar, and Čazma cutlets or Venison stew with yeast dumplings as a side, in the restaurants of Bjelovar. Some of the more popular deserts are corn crepes with cheese, Bilogora pie, various types of rolls and strudels, and Mazanica.

A sweet specialty of this area is doubtlessly Bilogorski kovrtanj. This cake is only prepared for holidays and formal occasions. In the past, it was unimaginable to go to a ceremony

tip: While in the Bjelovar-Bilogora area, definitely try the coneshaped cheese, called prge, dishes made of game, and Bilogorski kovrtanj.

or baptism as a godparent without it.

Kovrtanj prepared for Christmas and Easter has a special place at the table, because it is considered to transfer and collect blessings and good wishes. What is interesting is that this cake is not cut with a knife, but is torn instead, and before being eaten, it is blessed with the sign of the cross.

The enological story of the BjelovarBilogora County is also diverse. Famous digestives here include the domestic šljivovica spirit, as well as pear schnapps, and komovica. And the wine... we'll leave that for another story.  June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

89

Lifestyle

HOME EXCHANGE

Home like a passport Why not use your home like a passport?! That was the question Ed Kushins, founder of HomeExchange, a successful project that has been bringing together travel buffs and helping them to easily, and cheaply visit their desired destinations, asked journalists during his visit to Zagreb.

Truly, the home you offer up for exchange at the HomeExchange website is your passport to travel all over the world.

Photo: a house on the island of Hvar, which is also available for exchange.

Written by: Vlatka VuŞić Photos: archive of HomeExchange.com

90

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

T

ravelling and exploring the beauties of the world, with free accommodations, is the dream many have fulfilled via HomeExchange.com, the largest website in the world for exchanging apartments, houses, and cottages. The website hosts more than 50 thousand offers from 150 countries worldwide! How can you become part of this community of people that travel in a completely different way and finally visit the destination you have long dreamt of? All you have to do is become a member of HomeExchange and offer your home up for exchange.

One of the ever more popular and soughtafter destinations is Croatia, which more and more travelers from different countries would like to visit. Not only Zagreb, but also the well-known coastal destinations. Equally interesting sites for exchange are also authentic cottages in the hills of Zagorje, as well as country homes surrounded by golden ears of grains in Slavonia.

Around 250 thousand exchanges annually There are about 250 thousand home exchanges annually worldwide, and each

tip: Exchange your apartment, cottage, or house this summer and get yourself the cheapest, and possibly the most interesting, vacation.

one is a story of its own. Over the past 20 years, as long as the HomeExchange project has existed, most people decided to join for financial reasons. However, the reasons they continued to travel in this way are completely different. This type of exchange offers the opportunity to get to know new destinations from the viewpoint of the local population, where the host offers their home, but at the same time also gives you insight into their way of life, and often introduces you to their friends and/or neighbors, who later play the role of local guides or simply company who will invite you to a barbeque and let you in on "local secrets". In Croatia, this concept hasn't been known or recognized adequately yet, partially due to the short presence on the market, and partially due to the mentality, that is, the certain

degree of introversion and concern of people regarding "strangers" entering their private space. Croats, are mostly interested in whether the home exchange is safe.

Friendships worldwide Ed Kushins, the founder and initiator of the "HomeExchange project" and his associates, Jim Pickell and William Heinzer answered that question in the following way: "In 20 years, we have had more than a million exchanges and so far we haven't had any serious issues or incidents. On the contrary, statistics show that it is much riskier to leave your apartment empty for a week or two in the summer months than to exchange it with one of our members, with whom you have previously, by

Photos: a house in California (top left); the terrace of a house in the USA (top right); a house in Hvar (bottom left); representatives of HomeExchange and HomeExchange Croatia, from left to right: Rujana Ljubić, Ed Kushins, Jim Pickell, William Heinzer and Filip Ljubić (bottom right).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

91

Lifestyle

HOME EXCHANGE

Tastes are different: It is very easy to exchange a small apartment in one of the world's cities for a big house in the country.

An unlimited number of exchanges Photos: an apartment in the Dominican Republic (top); an apartment in Austria (bottom left); an apartment in Zagreb (bottom right).

At HomeExchange.com, members can download examples of contracts they can use when making arrangements for an exchange.

92

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

communicating, gotten to know well, and gained friendly trust.

Kushins and his associates visited Zagreb and Croatia in March 2014 to present the advantages of this way of travelling and lifestyle to the public. They were relatively convincing, which isn't strange considering that they practice what they preach. Ed and William, currently associates, even met through HomeExchange. Swiss William, after being convinced by his wife, came to enjoy the surfer's paradise of Hermosa Beach in California with his family, and while surfing, he met local neighbor Ed, who was thrilled by the idea and concept, and successful collaboration soon started.

Their associate Jim, also travels a lot with his family, and claims that HomeExchange, besides offering the possibility to travel more often, has also enabled him to meet dear friends worldwide.

HomeExchange.com is available in 15 global languages, including Croatian.

The project was brought to Croatia in 2011 by Rujana and Filip Ljubić, who upon registering, offered their beautiful stone house on Hvar up for exchange.

They were soon contacted by Ed Kushins, who offered his house in California in exchange. The Ljubić's declined his offer, and when they realized who was in question, they continued to keep in touch, and soon started collaborating and brought HomeExchange to Croatia.

All members of HomeExchange are allowed an unlimited number of exchanges, and they can exchange for a weekend, a week, or longer. The exchanges themselves can be at the same, or different time (ex. summer for winter), and they often include a car. It all depends on the interests and the mutual deals made between the two parties. 

First-hand experience: Ed Kushins

Photos: a house in Switzerland (left); a house along the Kupa River in Croatia (right); a view of the surroundings from a house in Switzerland (bottom).

How many times have you exchanged homes, and which trip do you remember most fondly?

I first decided to switch homes in 1992, when I took my kids to Washington DC, and I offered our home in California in exchange. Since then, I have exchanged homes 40 times, visiting destinations all over the world, and I have switched homes with some families more than once.

I have many great memories, but I would single out the villa on the beach in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, and Amsterdam, where we stayed on a houseboat in the channel.

Amongst the many destinations you have visited worldwide, are there any you like to return to?

We go to Hawaii every year. We have exchanged homes with the same family nine times for that destination, so we truly already feel at home there.

Of the European countries you have visited, which is your favorite, and why?

Italy. For its food, wine, history, diverse offer of destinations to visit, and the incredible landscapes.

Which destinations have you already visited in Croatia, and which do have in plan?

We have been to Croatia four times since our first arrival in Rovinj in 2011. So far we have seen Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Plitvice, and Opatija, and we definitely want to come back to sail along your incredible coastline.

If you were to move away from California, where would you move to?

Hawaii. We just feel at home at the beach.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

93

Festival

TRAVEL IS KNOWLEDGE

The "Travel is Knowledge" festival was held Written by: Ivica Jujnović, "Around the World" ("Oko svijeta") traveler's society Photos: archive of "Around the World" ("Oko svijeta") traveler's society www.okosvijeta.hr www.putovanje-je-znanje.com

94

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

A

s is tradition, the VI "Travel is Knowledge" festival for individual travel was successfully held on April 29, 2014 at the Europa cinema in Zagreb, organized by the "Around the World" traveler's association. At the festival booths, many associations, publishers, travel writers, and companies presented themselves and offered information to visitors about preparing various types of individual and adventure trips. Over the course of the day, many interesting thematic workshops were held, which presented trends from the world of travel. The popular internet trends of "Couchsurfing" and "Homeexchange", where people trade couches, or homes, was shown as an innovative way of looking for accommodations. The audience was taught how to travel cheaply by famous "travelholics" Iva Mihalic and Branko Krčmar, which was supplemented by a lecture on the topic of "How to Travel while Volunteering". An interesting way of getting to know destinations was presented through the interactive game of "Geocaching", which is a type of treasure hunt. Fans of adventure trips and

exotic destinations had the chance to plan their trips with the advice of the "Nomadi" and "Shappa" associations, and the "Tucan travel", "Jungle tribe", and "Da, da, da Intrepid putovanja" travel agencies. Our most famous Couchsurfer, Tomislav Perko, held the Zagreb premiere of his travel book "1000 Days of Spring" at the festival, where he wrote about his experiences from his many years of adventures around the world.

The main portion of the festival was a conference, where experienced travelers Tomislav Perko, Mihovil Miće Marinović, Maja Klarić, Hrvoje Jurić, Maja Tanasovski, Rok Kofol, and Ivica Jujnović participated.

Through their 15-minute motivational lectures, they shared their travel experiences, emphasized the importance of travel in gaining new knowledge, and motivated participants to travel in their own arrangement. The festival ended with a gathering with the travelers, and with the conclusion that fear and resistance to traveling is unjustified. Through travel, you truly become more tolerant, responsible, enriched with new knowledge and ideas, concluded and stated these passionate travel aficionados. 

The Walls of Ston, photo archive: Dhar media

Šibenik, photo archive: Dhar media

Legends of Croatia This year, Dhar media and TouristarTV have launched their second season of the "Discover Croatia" project, with the aim of promoting Croatia through online channels. This year's topic "Croatian Legends" was recognized and supported by the Tourist Boards of the Šibenik-Knin and DubrovnikNeretva Counties, which were included in project research and preparation.

National parks, museums, associations, and folklore associations are also participating in the project. Filming starts June 16, 2014 in the ŠibenikKnin County, and ends on June 26 in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

"While filming last year's 'Discover Croatia', we had the chance to explore many magical corners of the counties we filmed. Some locations intrigued us so much that we were impelled to explore them a bit more, and legends came to us as an idea on their own.

New and interesting content for tourists, shown under the production and creative guidance of our agency, is enough to start the creation of a new, different story about Croatia, where there are definitely places that make a difference. If you don't know about them, we will show you", said Lea Brezar, director of Dhar media. 

Discover Croatia "Discover Croatia" is the name of an interesting and entertaining guide for children, which will reveal a lot about Croatia to the youngest visitors: from interesting details from the past, to the many natural and cultural attractions that make it special. Through many games, mazes, riddles, and quizzes, the guide will take young travelers on a magical trip through Croatia. The guide has been published in Croatian and English. www.nakladanika.hr

New Germanwings lines in Croatia In June, the low-cost German airline company, Germanwings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is celebrating its tenth anniversary of flying towards Croatia, and it maintains its growth trend with the addition of new destinations on the Croatian market. Currently, the company has 83 flights weekly on 29 lines that connect Croatia and Germany, and as of July 4, it is introducing a direct line between Zagreb and Berlin, which will fly four times weekly. Since its arrival in Croatia, Germanwings has transported around four million passengers to Croatia, and this year it plans on transporting a total of 435 thousand passengers. This summer, besides Zagreb, the airline plans on connecting Berlin with Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Split, and Zadar, and the same destinations will also be linked with Hamburg. Five lines from Cologne and Stuttgart to Croatia, one from Dortmund, two from Hannover, and four lines from Düsseldorf are also available for passengers.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

95

Travel writers

GORDAN NUHANOVIĆ

I would always rather go to Tbilisi than to Paris Photos: Gordan Nuhanović has travelled through many countries of the former Soviet Union.

Gordan has issued collections of short stories "Liga za opstanak" and "Bitka za svakog čovjeka" and the novels "Posljednji dani panka", "Vjerojatno zauvijek", and "Agenti kulture".

96

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Prepared by: Vlatka Vužić ◆ Photo archive: Gordan Nuhanović

"The Jokes Stayed Home" ("Šale su ostale kod kuće") is the title of the first travel collection of stories by Gordan Nuhanović, who already left a "written trail" by publishing two collections of short stories and two novels. Truly, on his path through many countries of the former Soviet Union, he really didn't feel like joking. On his journey he came across a huge divide between the brazen rich and the life of others on the edge of existence. Through his collection of travel stories, Gordan will bring you a piece of this world, which is unknown to most.

Y

our travel stories were written in the period between 1998 and 2012, during which you visited the countries of the former Soviet Union several times. How was it that, from all the different parts of the world, you decided to explore that part?

Yes, everyone asks me that - why there. Obviously, its fatal attraction, I can't explain it any other way. Those countries appeared on the map after the USSR appeared on the map, and for us they were mostly (and still are) unknown, although some of them, such as Armenia and Georgia, have an extremely wealthy past. When barbarian hordes were running through our area, they had an organized country with literacy, architecture, and other features of civilization. True, I was more interested in their modern life, or the way they are freeing themselves from their Soviet heritage, and what they are aiming for. I was more interested in the social opportunities, the people, and their stories in that transitional tunnel, where sometimes the light at the end cannot be seen.

There you can find the most modern western-style buildings, and just a kilometer away, people are slaughtering sheep in the street in the spirit of the traditional nomadic culture.

The first country you visited was Armenia. The last was Kazakhstan.

What will you remember most about those two countries?

Armenia is full of churches from the fifth and sixth centuries, but a lot of them are inaccessible to the ordinary tourist, so it's important to have friends amongst the local population. On the other hand, Kazakhstan is an endless steppe, which is currently undergoing an economic boom like never before.

"I have no idea why I travelled to Armenia" were the first words of your travel story about that country. Now that you know more about the country, what would you recommend we see and visit there?

The Genocide Museum, as I mentioned in the book. I'm kidding. In Erevan, there is a lot to see, and there are legends connected to many of their sacral and holy buildings. Like Georgia, Armenia is somewhat mystical, folk stories are

"The Government Agency for Hand Wrestling", which you visited in Azerbaijan, is definitely the only one of its kind in the world. What else makes that country unique and different?

It is interesting in the social and cultural sense. It is a young country with a strong authoritative government, where President Ilham Aliev makes all the decisions, and that is the reason behind all the anomalies on every corner. For example, when I was in Baku five, six years ago, everything was chaotic: from traffic to urbanism. It was nearly impossible to cross the road because no one stopped at the crosswalk. When I asked the taxi driver why he wouldn't let a woman pushing a stroller cross, he answered honestly: "It's not a problem, but if I let her cross, it would be fatal for her, because the car next to me would run her down". Seeing a treehouse with a modern Mercedes parked in front of it isn't unusual.

Photos: these kinds of cars can often be seen in Moldova (left); a city landscape with King Gorgosali (right).

still very much alive, and everything is somehow in shades of the ancient past.

You should definitely visit the mountain lake of Sevan, as well as their holy capital Echmiadzin, thirty kilometers from Erevan. I had a bit of an adventure, and took a trip on the march route to Nagorno Karabagh, an Armenian enclave in the depths of Azerbaijan territory, but that’s a story of its own.

Your trip through Georgia was marked by your socializing and (difficult and tense) collaboration with cameraman Giorgij, called "Wolf". What other people, who you met on those trips through all those countries, left an impression on you, for which you will never forget them?

The "difficult and tense" collaboration with Giorgij, as you say, ended up being motivation for the psychology of the story since, thanks to him, my stay in Georgia was absolutely uncertain until the end. I have met a lot of quirky people, most of them were incredibly friendly, although they were all surprised that I had visited their land.

Actually, that was the most difficult thing to explain because, like Croats, they mostly dream of Paris, London, Berlin, and all those metropolises. In fact, in the book I wrote about how I confused my June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

97

Travel writers

GORDAN NUHANOVIĆ

tip: While in countries of the former Soviet Union, try eating stews to get over hangovers.

Photos: the cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia (left); vegetables from Caucasus Mountains on sale (top); motifs from trips to the countries of the former Soviet Union (bottom left and right).

In Kishinev, Moldova, Gordan visited the house of Aleksandr Pushkin, whose office still looks like the writer has only been gone for a bit: a feather pen in the inkwell, notes, a small samovar, cup, and yellowed books.

98

tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

friend Tamuna when I told her I would always rather come to Tbilisi than to Paris.

What is the food like in the countries of the former USSR? Did you discover any delicacies unknown to you until then that thrilled you, and which did you introduce to your standard domestic cuisine?

I don't generally cook, although I do have an old cookbook "Soviet Nations and Nationalities", according to which a lot of things could be cooked. I mainly ate various stews to heal my hangovers, such as Zjama in Moldova, or Kashi in Georgia.

Kashi is a stew made of cows' feet. I can attest to the fact that it awakens the dead. I have eaten all sorts of food, from besparmak in Kazakhstan to Uyghur and Ingush specialties. I remember a cake that I had in the autonomous region of Gagauzia: it was so sweet that I spent the rest of the day shaking from the amount of sugar I had ingested.

On your way you came across various examples of architecture. What buildings/monuments thrilled you, and which ones appalled you?

In Tbilisi there is a concrete building they call Andropov's Ears, an extremely strange building with arches made in honor of the visit of the Soviet leader to Georgia. In one valley, I saw a skyscraper in the midst of nothing. They said that the entire village had been demolished and moved into it. That is what I love about those countries. I enjoy Soviet architecture. It is, true, inhumane for many, and as such, repulsive, but very inspirational for me. I don't appreciate the modern-day building endeavors as much. The colossal building made for the Georgian president is an imitation of the White House in Washington, but in rundown Tbilisi, it looks like a flying saucer landed in the slums. On one side you have refugees from all the possible autonomous regions living in underground passages, while on the other Dubai-style luxury. Not to mention the churches...

Of all the countries you travelled through, which one would you most like to return to, and why?

I would like to see them all a few more times to make sure I learned everything. ď ś

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Web camera in Baška Voda amongst the top 10 in the world

Shell collecting harms the environment On one Spanish beach, the increased number of tourists caused a 60 percent decrease in the number of shells, which potentially harmed the marine ecosystem. Walking down the coastline, looking for shells and other interesting things, is a favorite pastime of many tourists of all ages. However, that unusual hobby has serious effects on the environment.

Shells have various functions in environmental protection: they help in stabilizing beaches, offer shelter for crabs, and act as a hiding place for small fish. Shorebirds, for example, use them to help build their nests, and when they break, shells offer nutritional substances to the organisms living in the sand.

So, the next time you put a shell you found on the beach into your pocket, think twice!

The new panoramic web camera in the LiveCamCroatia system installed in Baška Voda, has been named one of the top 10 best 'live stream' web cams in the world in May 2014, and took third place according to the choice of leading experts for video technology from EarthCam, the largest and most influential website for webcams in the world. In LiveCamCroatia, the brand of the Security projekti company from Zagreb, they emphasize that it is a great global promotion for Croatian tourism since the camera in Baška Voda shows the view of one of the most beautiful beaches on the Makarska Riviera, and found itself in the competition with ten thousand cameras worldwide. Besides that, on the top 10 list, it even beat out the camera from the International Space Station. In May 2014, first place was held by the camera that films from the top of the WTC in New York, and second place was taken by the camera that records the view of Dealey Plaza in Texas.

ting fact s

Tisno, photo archive: Tisno Tourist Board

Nikolina beach, photo archive: Baška Voda Tourist Board

Inte res

Tisno second place for quick trips The largest publisher of travel guides, Lonely Planet, listed Tisno second on its list of the top ten places recommended for a quick trip in 2014. Besides the Garden Festival, when thousands of young fans of electronic music and good fun will visit Tisno this year from July 2 to 9, Lonely Planet describes Tisno as a place with a lot of natural beauty, and a rich tourist, and especially food, offer. It also mentions boat excursions to neighboring islands, and it also recommends exploring the island of Murter, and the nearby cities of Šibenik and Zadar.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

99

Send and...

WIN

The "Send and... win" competition continues on!

Dear all, our "Send and... win" competition continues! We looked over all the photographs you sent us while travelling through the world (and thank you for them!), and have selected and decided to publish a few of the best, chosen by the editors. The authors, who we decided had the 'best eye for photography' will get a book/ travel guide issued by Profil (in Croatian language) or Algoritam (in English language), published in the previous or this issue of tipTravel magazine. Sounds good, doesn't it?

By July 10, 2014.

A landscape near the community of Xinaliq, the highest community on the Caucasus Mountains (2350 m), Azerbaijan.

(Author: Branko KrÄ?mar, Mala Sub otica)

You can send us interesing and beautiful photographs (min. 5 mpx in size) from a recent trip around the world and everything attractive you experienced and saw by July 10, 2014.

We will send the authors of the best photos a book/travel guide issued by Profil (in Croatian language) or Algoritam (in English language) as a gift. And the best three photos we'll publish in the next issue of the magazine (and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ tiptravelmagazine, as well) so that others can also enjoy them :-) You can send us the photos at info@tiptravelmagazine.com The condition is that the authors of the photographs send their name and surname, city and country, and email address where we can contact them, as well as a short description of the photograph.

et in Tanzania.

A game of Bao in Dar es Salama Stre reb) Zag k, nÄ?a (Author: Mario Fere

100 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

And don't forget: the campaign is only valid for readers who have signed up for the newsletter of tipTravel magazine, so if you haven't signed up yet, what are you waiting for?!

You can sign up at: www.tiptravelmagazine.com

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the UAE, and the 8th largest mosque in the world, Abu Dhabi.

(Author: Petar Galović, Zagreb)

Marco Polo Italy

Budapest Budapest is just one of the famous destinations presented in the series of world famous Eyewitness Travel Guides, published

by Dorling Kindersley. The guide will reveal how to spend four wonderful days in Budapest, and offers a lot of pictures, illustrations, and maps that well help you find your way through the Hungarian capital, with overviews of the main sites, and a list of hotels, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues...

Compact and easy to use, the Marco Polo Italy guide will take you to the heart of Italy and give you the newest useful information and a lot of insider advice for an exciting Italian adventure. The guide also includes road maps, and an additional pull-out map, which you should keep with you at all times while exploring this incredible country. www.algoritam.hr

www.profil-mozaik.hr

Marco Polo Cuba Portrait of Mother India

With the Marco Polo Cuba guide in hand, experience all the attractions of this Caribbean island country, get the best recommendations, find hotels and restaurants, discover the best beaches and most popular places to go out. The guide also reveals which festivals, happenings, and sports activities on the island are a must-see, where to shop affordably, and much more.

Regardless of whether you already know something about India and its civilization heritage, or you're just discovering the country and its culture, "Portrait of Mother India", by author Vesna Krmpotić, should definitely find a place in your hands. The book brings together the author's great knowledge about India, gained over the course of numerous visits, in contacts with Indian thinkers, poets, and holy men, but also from constant research of works on the history of India.

New York City, the "City of Lights", is presented in the series of world famous Eyewitness Travel Guides, published by Dorling Kindersley. This guide will show you the best offers of the city, the top 10 must-see sites, museums, events, and festivals, but it will also reveal the top 10 things to avoid in the city.

www.profil-mozaik.hr

www.algoritam.hr

www.algoritam.hr

New York City

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 101

CULTURAL SCENE

It's time for... festivals!

S Prepared by: Vlatka VuŞić

pring has awoken the Croatian cultural scene, and the arrival of summer makes us want to spend as much time outside as possible, socializing, having fun, dancing... A great place for that are - festivals, which are held throughout Croatia in the months of June and July. We have singled out the most famous ones, and, of course, with the help of our partners, we're taking you to them, and to the theater :-) So... write us soon!

INFO

10th Vip Zagreb Jazz Festival

CMC festival in Vodice

Photo: Dario Njavro, archive of Croatia Records PR

The only Croatian discography festival, CMC festival, will be held in Vodice on June 13 and 14. The sixth edition of the festival brings more than 25 new songs, some of which are already well known, and some are still in the process of being created. With performances by numerous artists, many other events will be held at the festival: an after party, athletic games, promotions...

Admission to all events is free of charge!

More about the summer musical festivals in Croatia:

102 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

* One person can get a maximum of two tickets for one of the listed festivals/ performances, so don't forget to mention which festival or show you are interested in, answer the question, and send your contact information (name and surname, mobile phone number, e-mail) so we can contact you.

TICKETS

Photo archive: Vip Zagreb Jazz Festival

tip: Write us to tell us why you should be the one to win tickets to one of the concerts/shows listed below (of your choice). Send your answer as soon as possible to info@tiptravelmagazine.com, and nine of you with the most creative answers will get 2 tickets each to your desire concert or show!

Hurryyy!

CULTURAL SCENE

:)

Write to us and win TICKETS

More about the summer film festivals in Croatia:

In celebration of its tenth birthday, the Vip Zagreb Jazz Festival is treating its audience to 15 fantastic concerts for 15 years of Vipnet, the long-time general sponsor of the Festival. Many famous performers from the Croatian and global jazz scene will perform in the Croatian metropolis, including Dee Dee Bridgewater, multipletime Grammy winner, and the festival lasts until November 2014.

The concert organizers are giving away 1x2 tickets to the Dee Dee Bridgewater concert, to be held on June 14 at 7:30 PM in the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb.

Photo archive: Hideout Festival

CULTURAL SCENE

INFO

TICKETS

The formal awards ceremony of the most important Croatian discography awards "Porin" will be held for the 21st time on Friday, June 27 at the Hypo Event Center in Zagreb. As is tradition, Porin brings together the best quality Croatian performers, of which some will perform at the awards ceremony, while others will play the role of presenters or the audience, which has the task of providing support for their nominated colleagues.

The awards are awarded in 49 categories, and this year's performer with the most nominations for this prestigious musical award, a total of 11, is the musician Massimo.

The organizers are giving away 1x2 tickets to the Hideout Festival, from June 30 to July 3.

Dalmatian Klapa Festival Omiš Photo archive: Dalmatian Klapa Festival Omiš

Porin

The fourth edition of the "Hideout Festival", one of the most visited summer festivals of electronic music in Croatia, which will be held from June 30 to July 3, have announced an increased number of performers. So, this year, Zrće Beach on the island of Pag will host more than 60 performers who will provide top-notch entertainment at the Papaya, Aquarius and Kalypso clubs, but also at "secret" locations, pool parties, and boat parties, which can be boarded after 1:00 PM. The festival starts every evening at 10:00 PM and lasts until the wee hours of the morning. Find out more at:

Ultra Europe Festival This year's edition of the Ultra Europe Festival will be held from July 11 to 13 in Split, and the exclusive closing night, Ultra Beach, is scheduled for July 15 in front of the "Amfora Beach Resort" on the island of Hvar. A dozen DJ stars, including Hardwell, the best DJ in the world according to the famous "DJ Mag" magazine, and Armin Van Buuren, who took second place in the same selection, as well as David Guetta, Tiësto, Afrojack, Carl Cox, and many others will perform on a total of five festival stages. The Ultra Europe Festival is the only event organized by Ultra Worldwide in Europe, and the Croatian partner in organization is the Adria MM Produkcija Company.

The 48th Dalmatian Klapa Festival in Omiš, will be opened July 5, on St. Mihovil's Square in Omiš, better known in the klapa circle as "The big square".

It will also end in the same place three weeks later, on July 26. With three competition nights, and two finales, where the best male and female klapa groups will be announced, an "Evening of New Compositions" will be held at the festival, along with the 19th traditional concert "City of Zagreb to the City of Omiš".

TICKETS

The organizers are giving away 1x2 tickets to the 1st competition night of the Dalmatian Klapa Festival in Omiš, on July 10, at 9:00 PM.

Photo archive: Ultra Europe Festival

Photo archive: Porin

Hideout Festival

TICKETS Find out more at:

The organizers are giving away 1x2 tickets to the Ultra Europe festival, for all three days in Split (July 11-13).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 103

CULTURAL SCENE

TICKETS

Deep Purple & Gibonni in Zadar

On July 15, on the Jazine parking lot in Zadar, as part of ZadaRock, a project that will bring great rock stars to Zadar, famous Croatian performer and songwriter Gibonni, and Deep Purple, the loudest band of all time which left an indelible mark on the global music scene, will perform. "ZadaRock" is being held under the organization of Austrian NuCoast Company and Slovenian MH Concerts, and special support was given by the City of Zadar and the City of Zadar Tourist Board.

The organizers are giving away 1x2 tickets to the Deep Purple & Gibonni concert, on July 15, at 9:30 PM.

OFF Jazz&Blues festival Šibenik The eighth annual "OFF Festival will be held from July 17 to 19 in Šibenik, and the leading acts this year are sevdah champion Amira Medunjanin and the best jazz/rock guitarist, Vlatko Stefanovski. Two world-famous blues guitarists, Ian Siegal and Mike Sponza, will also perform, along with Big Band Požega, a famous 24-piece orchestra and the VladoDadoMaasejGelo band, whose name reveals the members, fantastic Croatian musicians.

"Teatar Exit" in Rijeka

OFF Festival is giving away 1x2 tickets to the 8th OFF Jazz&Blues festival in Šibenik (July 17-19).

Teatar Exit brings its audience in Rijeka the popular performance "What do you mean, I'm not here" with Filip Juričić and Amar Bukvić in the lead roles who through this funny, but also bittersweet play, travel through their internal and imaginary identities and with the alchemy of their play turn them into a series of people, situations, realistic and fantastic events that we recognize as our own, as the reality we live...

TICKETS

CNT Osijek is giving away 2x2 tickets to the performance of "Anna Karenina" on June 3, at 7:30 PM. 104 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

"Anna Karenina" in CNT Osijek For the second year in a row, CNT Osijek is organizing the "Summer Theater Festival", where "Anna Karenina", the drama by Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, will be performed.

With the slogan "Everything a woman can do today, but shouldn't", the CNT Osijek announces this, always current and popular drama.

Photo: Radomir Sarađen, archive: Teatar Exit

Teatar Exit is giving away 1x2 tickets to the performance of "What do you mean, I'm not here" in HKD Rijeka, on June 9, at 7:30 PM. Photo archive: CNT Osijek

CULTURAL SCENE

TICKETS

TICKETS

Source: archive Tošo Dabac, MSU

Exhibitions Winners of the concert tickets from the 5th Issue:

INFO

"Friends of the Sea" all over the coast

Rufus Wainwright concert in Zagreb: Ivana Klanjčić, Zaprešić ◆ Oliver Dragojević concert in Zadar: Ante Rakić, Zadar ◆ Dubioza Kolektiva concert in Dubrovnik: Vanja Mašanović Hebib, Dubrovnik; Hrvoje Dunatov, Dubrovnik

Photo: Zorana Rajić, archive: Rovinj Heritage Museum

For the fifth year in a row, the attractive exhibition of the "Friends of the Sea" project will be touring the squares and promenades of the Croatian Adriatic.

Over the course of the summer, the exhibition with the theme of life on the Croatian Adriatic, depicted in 62 large-scale artistic photos taken in the 1960s, will tour 13 Croatian destinations: Rovinj, Pula, Opatija, Krk, Mali Lošinj, Baška, Rab, Zadar, Biograd na Moru, Šibenik, Split, Rijeka, and Zagreb.

Winners of the play tickets from the 5th Issue: "Glorija" performance in Šibenik: Višnja Andrijela Marinović, Biograd; Nada Zanze, Šibenik ◆ "Three sisters" in Zagreb: Ivica Sruk, Zagreb; Mirjana Pogačić, Zagreb ◆ "The Pressures of My Generation" in Split: Anka Rabadan, Kaštel Lukšić

Salvador Dali in Rovinj

INFO

An exhibition of one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, Salvador Dali, will be held this summer, until October 5, at the Rovinj Heritage Museum. This unique exhibition includes a selection with more than 130 drawings from his two most comprehensive opuses, "The Divine Comedy" from 1964, and "Biblia Sacre" from 1967, a complete decomposition of wood carvings from "The Divine Comedy" from 70 graphic prints, and his statue of Dante.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 105

CULTURAL SCENE CULTURAL SCENE

Klapa Cambi www

We feel at home in Slavonia Klapa Cambi from Kaštel Kambelovac is one of the best known and most awarded male klapa groups in Croatia and abroad. It nurtures autochthonous klapa singing, has an original approach to covering the songs of famous domestic pop singers, creates original hits...

Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić ◆ Photos: Igor Kelčec (source: Scardona)

106 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

CULTURAL SCENE The klapa was established in 1986, with ten male vocals.

So far it has received ten Porin awards, which are the highest Croatian musical achievement.

What makes Kaštel Kambelovac different from the other Kaštel's?

Although today they are one connected urban center and one city, each of the Kaštels lives as its own entity. In contrast to the other Kaštels, Kaštel Kambelovac, in its early phase of development, didn't have a main square around which the town was built. Later, more Kaštels were built with their separate communities, along with the Cambi tower, for which the group got its name, the main square, and the small, authentic fishing harbor.

You promote klapa songs throughout Croatia. You are at home in Dalmatia, but where do you feel especially comfortable inland?

Recently, we have been singing more inland than in Dalmatia. We feel at home in Slavonia. People there have a similar mindset to ours, and we understand one another well. Rijeka and Varaždin have the best audiences. As far as Dalmatia is concerned... the most temperamental audience is in Zadar and its surroundings.

As is usual, we are least recognized in our own town. Still, we enjoy a special status in Kaštela.

Which of the concerts in neighboring countries have remained in special memory for you?

We have performed in Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Italy, and Austria.

There are a lot of beautiful memories and concerts. As well as the friendships we will cherish forever. We were hosted nicely in Perast, Tolmin, Kophaza, Vienna, Verona, but also in many other places. It might be unfair to mention just these...

You have spent a lot of time together at concerts and rehearsals, but travelling together is the best test of tolerance. How does your large male group get along on the road?

Last year we had 92 official performances, and crossed more than 70 thousand kilometers together. It is a huge amount of time that a relatively heterogenic group, with needs for privacy, has to "survive". Sometimes we are like brothers, sometimes like family, sometimes we are one another's best friends, and sometimes we are one another's release

At the 16th "Dalmatian Chanson - Šibenik 2013" Festival, klapa Cambi was the absolute winner with the song "Oprosti mi jube".

valves. Of course there are fights, tears, and laughter. We do live together.

What are your plans for the summer, where will we be able to hear you?

Although we do perform all year long, summer is the most intensive time. We have a packed schedule of concerts and festivals in plan, and the "Evening of Dalmatian Songs" in Kaštela on July 18 and 19, and the "17th Dalmatian Chanson Evening" in Šibenik on August 23, are just some of them. 

June / July 2014.

CULTURAL SCENE

tip: If you would like to win the album by Klapa Cambi "Ne more mi bit" write us, let us know why, and send your answer to info@tiptravelmagazine.com.

The authors of the two most original answers will receive the album as a gift.

tipTravelMagazine 107

UNICEF

CROATIA

UNICEF / Igor Nobilo

UNICEF / Igor Nobilo

The importance of reading with children Reading aloud is important for the development of children's cognitive abilities, and the people included in this activity create a strong relationship with the child.

Text: UNICEF Croatia Photo archive: UNICEF

Photos: the "Read to me!" campaign resulted in great success: almost four thousand picture books were collected for children, an increase in library memberships for children was noted... (top left and right).

Reading aloud is an activity that includes the entire family: parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, but also friends.

108 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

R

ead to me!... "The first national campaign where everyone reads aloud and is full of knowledge.

120 libraries throughout the country participated at the open door days so that books could enter your homes. As time passed with reading, more and more children arrived with their parents. 223 events excited everyone, because 10 thousand children and parents participated in them...", those are the first lines of a play dedicated to the first birthday of the national campaign for promoting reading aloud to children from the earliest age. The plays were performed in early April in the "Cvrčak" kindergarten in Zagreb by the campaign organizers, actors, and children, in order to present the fantastic results of the campaign that united Croatia in the goal to make reading a daily habit of all parents and children in a fun way.

Exceeded expectations The extent and the success of the first year of the "Read to me!" campaign is best described by the positive experiences of the participants, but also by the impressive numbers: almost four thousand picture books were collected for impoverished families, children's hospital wards, kindergartens, and orphanages, an increase in the number of children's memberships in libraries was noted, and more than a hundred libraries and a thousand volunteers participated in more than two hundred events that gathered ten thousand children and parents, amongst which were many artists, mayors, and ministers, in reading.

That was all told in verse by actors Mirna Medaković and Silvio Vovk, UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador Maja Vučić, kindergarten children, Head of the UNICEF office Valentina Otmačić, Campaign Coordinator Kristina Čunović,

tip: More information on the "Read to me!" campaign can be found at: www.citajmi.info

UNICEF / Silvija Butković

and author of the campaign play and children's writer Josipa Franjić Radulović.

The fun helped them remember the fairy tale group, the talking group, reading aloud to children on city squares, in libraries, and hospitals, the travelling picture books in the 'bibliobuses', the photo contest, and the millennium "Read to me" photo taken in Dubrovnik. They were joined by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Social Policy and Youth, and campaign patron, Milanka Opačić, who read the book "Goldilocks" by Sanja Pilić.

Increase in the number of children's library memberships The campaign popped up on thousands of billboards throughout Croatia, it was supported by many publishers, as well as the media, which published about two hundred articles about the campaign.

Librarians in most cities marked an increase in the library membership of the youngest children. For example, in 2013 in Koprivnica, 33 percent more children had memberships in comparison with 2012, while the number of visits of parents with children doubled. A similar trend was noticeable in the libraries in Zadar, Rijeka, Karlovac, Split, and Vinkovci.

Creative librarians throughout Croatia are preparing a series of new surprises for their members: reading bedtime stories, painting exhibitions and round tables, opening small libraries in pediatrician's offices, and promoting local literature by reading in various dialects. This year, the Croatian Logopedic Association has joined the campaign, where they will

UNICEF / Romeo Ibrišević

organize workshops for parents and teachers, but also for the general public, on early literacy, language, reading, and writing.

The "How children live in Croatia" exhibition The "How children live in Croatia" photo exhibition, by UNICEF and the Croatian Press Photographers Association has passed through seven cities so far: Zagreb, Sisak, Rijeka, Koprivnica, Makarska, Novska and Ivanić Grad, speaking in the name of the children about what makes them happy, but also about the difficulties they face together with their families, while trying to use their unique chance in life - childhood.

The exhibition was created after the competition of the same name, which was launched to show the general public

Photos: Photos shown at the "How children live in Croatia" exhibition, which has already passed through seven Croatian cities (top left and right, bottom).

the diverse ways of life of children in Croatia, and to bring attention to the most vulnerable groups: children with learning difficulties, children from impoverished families, and children of the Roma minority. Photographs can change the world, and the goal of the organizers is to have these photos unite all the people of Croatia in the mission to improve the lives of all children. 

UNICEF / Romeo Ibrišević

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 109

News

WORLD

Qatar Airways opened Hamad International Airport

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo archive: Qatar Airways

On May 27, 2014, the national airline of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways, opened the Hamad International Airport, which will be able to receive 24 million passengers annually, and it is foreseen that the number will increase to 50 million by the year 2015. This modernly designed airport offers passengers superb five-star design and comfort, which passengers can see for themselves starting at the spacious and elegant check-in area with 137 counters and 34 check-in machines. With many diverse restaurants, to suit everyone's tastes, and elegant, designer boutiques, this airport has become one of the largest duty-free shops in the world. Passengers will also be able to find designed computers in all parts of the airport, and free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal area.

Report on shopping tourism published The most successful congress destinations in the world The USA, Germany, and Spain continue to hold the first three spots on the list of the most successful countries in congress tourism, followed by France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The data was published in a report from the ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association) on May 12, 2014. As far as congress cities are concerned, the order is as follows: Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin, Singapore... www.croatiameetings.com

110 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Foto arhiva: ITB

Villas.com - new brand of Booking.com In late May 2014, the global hotel reservation service website, Booking.com, launched an independent brand, Villas.com, in order to increase its market share in renting holiday accommodations.

The website allows for the online reservation of around 153 thousand villas, apartments, and holiday homes, which are located in more than 24 thousand of the most popular destinations in the world.

The website includes, amongst other things, useful information on the regions where each of the individual accommodation units are located.

Shopping tourism is an ever more common motive for traveling, and one of the main activities tourists indulge in at the destination. This was confirmed by the Global Report on Shopping Tourism, recently published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which analyzes the latest trends in shopping tourism, and offers an overview of the key factors required for a stronger development of this segment of the offer. The report also offers many practical guidelines and principles for the development of this form of tourism, and the documentation also includes many case studies. UNWTO SecretaryGeneral Taleb Rifai emphasized that the report also shows the importance of public-private collaboration, which can channel the countless positive effects of this tourist segment.

UNWTO: Continue visiting Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia

A 4 to 5 percent increase in "outbound" trips

Forum on the sustainable development of tourism

Europe will remain the world's main emissive region, with a slightly lower rate of growth than the global average, while relatively speaking, the greatest growth of emissive traffic is expected from the Middle East, as is mentioned in the information issued by the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) with regards to the season and current market status. In analyzing the reports from the ETC (European Travel Commission) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), the CNTB has confirmed that the initial indicators of global traffic for tourism in 2014 are positive.

It is estimated that the total volume of "outbound" tourist vacations will grow globally from 4 to 5 percent. Within the European framework, the lowest percentage of growth of emissive traffic will be marked in the South Europe/ Mediterranean region, while the largest percentage of growth is expected in the countries of Central/Eastern Europe.

How to increase the productivity of the tourism sector through the responsible use of basic resources, which strengthens the concept of sustainability, is only one of the questions that will tried to be answered on June 24, 2014 in Cartagena de Indias (Columbia), where the International Forum of the Sustainable Development of Tourism and Innovation, organized by the World Tourism Organization, will be held. At the forum, they will also discuss the key role of the private sector in introducing changes in planning, managing, and developing destinations, as well as encouraging the creation of new, innovative tourism products.

"Tourism based on community, as a pillar of sustainability", and the importance of education in attaining sustainability will be just a few more of the topics that will be discussed by the participants of the forum.

www.uhpa.hr  www.croatia.hr

Photo archive: World Travel Awards

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Source: croatiaweek.com

On May 21, 2014, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) asked for support for Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, and told tourists worldwide to continue to visit the country, since that can also help repair their flooded areas. The UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifae, pointed out that the organization was also deeply saddened by the news of the devastating floods in the named countries, which is why they are openly expressing sympathy for the affected people, communities, and governments of the three countries. Croatia (its eastern part), Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia were hit by devastating floods in mid-May where a dozen people died, hundreds went missing, and several thousand were evacuated.

European "tourist Oscars" awarded in Athens The awards ceremony of the 2014 World Tourism Awards for the European winners will be held on August 2, 2014 at a formal ceremony in Athens (Greece). From August 1 to 3, in celebration of the large ceremony, where 2500 nominees are competing for the awards, there will be many events and activities organized for the guests. A traditional Greek welcome, organized tours of Athens with visits to the most important sites and attractions, and cruising the Saronic Gulf, are just part of the program the hosts are preparing for this big event.

The formal awards ceremony will be held at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 111

World attractions

HONG KONG

ot Ph

fo

to

lia

o:

The Peak If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are in Hong Kong, and only have enough time to visit one of its attractions, make sure it is The Peak. The highest point of the island part of Hong Kong, known for its gentle climate, calm forest trails, and luscious gardens, is also home to the most exclusive neighborhood, which offers a spectacular view of the city.

This location is a favorite amongst tourists and photographers, and getting there is an experience in itself. The Peak Tram path to the top is relatively steep, and the tram is pulled by a single cable. Passengers are glued to their seats while the tram heads to the top, and the ride itself lasts less than ten minutes. However, there's no need to worry about safety, it's guaranteed here, and the ride is worth every cent.

112 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

PROMO

Lufthansa

For a greater travel experience

A

s of November 2014, Lufthansa Airlines will offer its passengers on longer flights a new treat: Premium Economy Class. This class, a combination of business class and economy class, will ensure a better quality and more comfortable travel experience. In contrast to economy class, here you will have 50 percent more space, and you will also be able to enjoy numerous additional services and features.

Reservations for November flights underway

Greater level of comfort In order to ensure an even more comfortable trip for their passengers, Lufthansa Airlines continually works on improving its services and products. So, with the introduction of the new, modern, Lufthansa Boeing 747-800 to its fleet late last year, it positioned its level of comfort at the top of the world's charts.

Also, the company continually introduces novelties in expanding its routes to new destinations, where special emphasis is placed on flights towards Asia. From the 24 destinations in 11 Asian countries, where Lufthansa's planes fly, you will definitely find the most interesting flight for yourself. ď ś

Photo: mediaBase Lufthansa

Besides having wider, more spacious, and more comfortable seats, you will also have the possibility of taking two pieces of luggage, of up to 23 kg in

weight each, and if you wish, you will be able to pay a fee for access to almost all of Lufthansa's business salons. In the airplane, you will receive a welcome drink, a bottle of water, and highquality travel supplies. During the flight you will have delicious meals, while you will also be able to watch your favorite program on a larger 11 or 12 inch screen.

This service will be available on routes to and from Frankfurt for the following destinations: Bangalore, Chicago, Delhi, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Washington, while other routes will slowly be introduced. Since reservations for flights from November 2014 started May 15, 2014, hurry to reserve your seat for an even better flying experience!

You can find special deals on flights to Asia, but also other destinations in Europe and abroad at: LH.com June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 113

We're taking you to...

AMSTERDAM

It took us only a few minutes to decide to take our short city spring break to Amsterdam. Three days later, we were travelling through its streets alongside the canals, climbing windmills, walking through endless fields of tulips in the most diverse colors, enjoying the cheeses and the warm, fragrant waffles...

114 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Photo: a view of one of Amsterdam's canals.

AMSTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS

On two wheels through "Venice of the North" Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 115

We're taking you to...

Photos: the city's canals are constantly congested, and the tour boats skillfully make their way through the boats driven by the locals (left and right).

Amsterdam's ring of canals (a total of 165 in the city, built over the centuries to promote trade and transport) were added to UNESCO's World Heritage Site list in 2010.

116 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

AMSTERDAM

L

ucky you, we have to admit that we are somewhat jealous. For you, everything here in Europe is so close and within reach. Our trip from home to the airport takes four hours, and then it takes us 12 hours to fly here..., said the incredibly friendly Heather and Peter Scolari, tourists from Australia, who we met while on a boat ride to Marken island, famous for its large workshop for clogs. I have to admit that up until now, we didn't give much thought to the good and easy connections between European cities.

Somehow we took that, actually large advantage, for granted. But, these two friendly tourists reminded us that we truly must be grateful for that. In reality, it took us less than two hours to fly from Zagreb to "Venice of the North" and its idyllic world where, vying for the attention of every tourist here, you

have bicycles, flowers, windmills, clogs, museums, interesting architecture, cheese, waffles...

Picturesque architecture The Netherlands truly have a lot of "trademarks". Thanks to the careful long-term branding of its products, but also the wealth of attractions and interesting features it has, it's no wonder that the Dutch capital is packed with tourists. If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, it might be best to first tour it along the canals by boat. In that way, you will get an impression of its scenery and location amongst the 165 canals, criss-crossed with more than 1200 bridges. It is also an excellent opportunity to tour the interesting architecture, the row of narrow and interconnected houses

with beautiful faรงades in various shades from burgundy to dark brown.

The tallest amongst them are up to five stories high, and all of them have large windows. You might think that some of the houses are slightly leaning towards you, but don't second-guess your vision. They really are. Due to the narrow wooden staircases, most of the furniture in the houses can only be brought in through the windows. The furniture is attached to a thick rope, and with the help of a large hook, which you will see on the top of each house, it is taken to the desired floor. In order to avoid having the furniture damage the building, the faรงades are slightly angled towards the street. Another interesting fact is that you will rarely see curtains on the windows of Amsterdam. The Dutch are huge fans of design and they simply love to decorate their homes, and even

compete in decorating. So, it is logical why they love to show it to passersby as well.

Cruising with pancakes, wine, cocktails...

As far as canal rides are concerned, the offer is truly diverse, you can choose between one-hour and multiple hour tours, day and night time slots, and various thematic cruises where on some tours you can enjoy cocktails, a dinner with several courses, pizza, or a glass of good wine with candlelight. Since the competition between boat lines is truly large, new thematic boats are often added. A novelty this year is "De Pannenkoekenboot" which, unlike the other boats, won't take you through the canals in the city center, but instead will take you on a tour of modern

Photos: the dock for tour cruises that sail through the canals (top left); along the canals there are many restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops... (bottom left); on most houses in the city, the faรงades are slightly slanting forward (right); on the top of each house, there is a large hook that, in combination with a thick rope, is used to bring furniture into the house (circle).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 117

We're taking you to...

Photos: during their cruise on De Pannenkoekenboot, amongst other things, travelers also enjoy pancakes (top left); cafĂŠ terraces next to the canals are a favorite place to have a drink (top right); the new part of Amsterdam (bottom left); cyclists are most abundant in traffic (bottom right).

tip: You can reach "NDSM Werf", the dock for "De Pannenkoekenboot" easiest by ferry, which leaves the back of the central train station every half hour. The ride is free and lasts 15 minutes.

118 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam. The only question you have to ask yourself before boarding this boat is: "How many pancakes can you eat in 75 minutes or 2.5 hours (depending on the tour you choose)?". During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to eat as many pancakes as you can, with any topping you wish. During some tours, several warm dishes such as meatballs, roasted vegetables, chicken dishes, etc. will be served with the pancakes. "The recordbreaker was a relatively slim American tourist who managed to eat a total of 15 pancakes during one 75-minute cruise", recalls Jaap Dijkstra, director of the boat where, with the help of a special griddle, up to 320 pancakes are made per hour!

These cruises, he says, are especially popular with families, since pancakes are loved equally by all generations, and besides that, while the children play (in a specially designated play area full of

balls), parents have time to themselves.

What specially delights him is the fact that everyone leaves the boat with a smile on their face.

Bicycle tour for a total experience You definitely won't stop smiling as you pass through the city streets and over the bridges, which look as if they were on a painting, on two wheels. Bicycle rides here are a must, and the city has more than a million (for a population of 800 thousand). You will see bicycles, mostly older models, everywhere here, and they have the right of way in traffic.

The domestic people ride them skillfully, but also quickly, so tour guides will often remind you to watch out for them in traffic. They are often called "killer bikes".

tip: To complete your experience, tour Amsterdam on bicycle. You can rent them in almost every neighborhood.

For a total experience, it is best to explore Amsterdam on bikes, which can be rented here at every step. Prices start at six euro for three hours, and they can also be rented for several days, which is the more affordable option, especially if you plan on touring the city by bike for several days. There are also many places to lock up your bike, and bike lots, even on several floors. Don't forget to lock them up well, and always tie them up to immobile objects since bicycle thefts are common here. And remember the "golden rule": the older the bike, the thicker the chain to lock it with! You won't see large traffic jams on the streets of Amsterdam, which are common in other cities, because cars, and parking spots, are a luxury here. A 24-hour parking pass, depending on the parking zone, can cost up to 40 euro, and a weekly pass can cost up to 160 euro! Besides bicycles, citizens use public transportation a lot: buses, trams, and the metro, which function excellently.

The most affordable option for tourists is the "I amsterdam City Card", which has many benefits, besides unlimited use of public transportation (with the GVB sign), including: free admission to museums and main city attractions, a free canal ride, various discounts and special offers.

The ticket can be bought for a 24, 48, or 72 hour time period.

tip: Get an "I amsterdam City Card" and get free rides, as well as many discounts and benefits.

Find out more at:

Photos: bicycles can be rented throughout the city (top left); the central train station (top right); the large "I amsterdam" letters can be found at several locations throughout the city, and amongst other places, in front of the Schiphol Airport (middle); glass skyscrapers are a common sight in the new part of the city (bottom).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 119

We're taking you to...

Photos: the most slanted house in Amsterdam was sketched by Rembrandt (left); houses built into the façade of the Hotel Victoria, and the narrowest city house (top middle); the oldest house and the only one with a wooden façade in the city (top right); Begijnhof, the courtyard of fancy houses (bottom right).

On a wall within the Begijnhof courtyard, behind the oldest house in the city, Het Houten Huis, at number 34, is a collection of wall plaques with depictions of Bible stories.

120 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

AMSTERDAM

The most slanted, narrowest, oldest house...

There is a lot to see in Amsterdam, and if you will only be staying in the city for a few days, the following canals should definitely be on your list: Herengracht (the fanciest canal with the palaces of the wealthiest shopkeepers), the central Keizergracht canal, and the Bohemian Prinsengracht canal, with the houses of artists, many cafés, studios, galleries, and houseboats. While touring the canals, pay close attention to the unusual and interesting features, which Amsterdam is full of. For example, alongside the Oudeschans canal, you will find the most slanted house, built back in 1695.

It was sketched by Rembrandt for the former guard of the dam, and today, it houses the pleasant Café de Sluyswacht, with a terrace next to the canal. If you

have a better look at the Hotel Victoria, near the central train station, you will see two smaller houses built into the façade of this larger hotel. They say an elderly lady refused to sell her houses so the hotel had to be built around them.

The narrowest house can be found at Singel 7, while the oldest is also the only townhouse with a wooden façade located in picturesque Begijnhof. This charming and isolated courtyard of fancy houses, which surround a calm garden in the center of the city, opens every morning at 9:00, and closes at 5:00 PM, and admission is free. It was established for the Beguines, members of an oblate catholic sisterhood, of which the last one died in 1971. In the quiet of this courtyard, one of the most beautiful in the city, there is a church, and a hidden chapel, where the Amsterdam Miracle is celebrated. One of the unusual features

of the city is the Poezenboot, the Cat Boat, which is the only shelter for stray and abandoned cats in the world that is located on a houseboat in the canal.

Logically, it has become one of the tourist attractions.

Flower market Make sure the main square Dam, the Jordaan neighborhood and Oude Kerk, the oldest building and first parish church in Amsterdam, are on your "must see list".

The colorful stained glass, magnificent organs, and painted ceilings are the special features of this church located in, unusually, the center of the "Red Light District". Today, the oldest neighborhood of Amsterdam is a tourist attraction, famous for one of the oldest trades in the world - prostitution, which the city fathers are persistently trying to decrease by encouraging the establishment of small family-owned companies and shops.

During your tour of the city, make plans to visit one of the markets, where you will best feel the pulse of the city. If you only have time for one, make it Bloemenmarkt, the famous flower market. Here you will be able to find tulip bulbs in the most assorted colors, along with other flowers.

If you arrive at the market by bicycle, buy at least a bouquet of tulips, put it in your bike basket and continue your ride around town. Like a true Dutch citizen.

The city of museums Amsterdam is a city of superb and interesting museums, which will become clear once you see the long lines in front of some of the more famous ones. Don't let that discourage you though, because

Photos: Poezenboot or the Cat Boat is the home of abandoned and stray cats, which has become a tourist attraction (top left); the flower market (top right); Dam, the main city square (middle); Oude Kerk, the first parish church in the city, located in the Red Light District (bottom).

On Dam square, you will find Koninklijk Paleis, the Nieuwe Kerk cultural center (formerly a church) and the National Monument (a 22-meter obelisk).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 121

AMSTERDAM

Photo: Erik Smits, photo archive: Rijksmuseum

We're taking you to...

Part of the Rijksmuseum has been dedicated to the history of the Netherlands in other countries, mostly its colonies.

122 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Photo: Iwan Baan, photo archive: Rijksmuseum

Photos: Rijksmuseum is the largest city museum, and it is located in a magnificent building (top); a museum collection from the 19th century (middle); the most valuable piece in the museum is Rembrandts "Night Watch" (bottom).

each minute of waiting will truly be worth it. The largest is the Rijksmuseum, which houses more than seven million works of art, and exhibits just a small portion. For a detailed tour of the exhibited pieces, you would need several days, just like for the Louvre in Paris. However, the main attractions of the museum can be seen in a few hours: Rembrandt's famous "Night Watch", a painting which was much larger in its original size, and the "Jewish Bride". Make sure to stop by the valuable paintings of other "masters of the brush": the "Milkmaid", "Portrait of a Girl Dressed in Blue", and the "Windmill at Wijk". The museum collections have been organized according to time periods, from the 17th to 20th century, and especially interesting is the pottery collection from Delft and the Asian pavilion, a building surrounded by water, which contains a rich collection of art from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The museum is also interesting for its magnificent building, but also for its lush garden full of sculptures. Nearby the Rijskmuseum is the equally popular Van Gogh museum.

More than 200 of his paintings and 500 sketches will tell you the story of the creation of this artist, representative of European expressionism, and painter of the famous "Sunflowers". Stop in front of his self-portraits, which he painted often since he was rarely able to pay models, have a look at his paintings "The Potato Eaters", "Wheatfield with a Reaper", "Almond Blossom", and "The Bedroom in Arles". The museum also exhibits the works of artists who inspired him, influenced his work, and collaborated with him.

The Anne Frank Museum is a completely different story. "I know what I want, I have a goal, an opinion, I have a religion and love" are the words that first greet you on the walls of this moving museum, which the young girl Anna wrote in her journal, amongst other things, during the Second World War, while hiding in the attic of this house with her family.

That's not the only thing that will give you goosebumps, but you will get them at every step you take in this house, which hid the Frank and Van Pels families for a full 25 months, during the time the Germans started arresting Jews in Amsterdam. Quotes from Anna's diary, photographs, short films with quotes from some of the four helpers, and original artefacts will try to bring to show you the atmosphere that was in the house at the time, the discussions that were held, and the fears the eight inhabitants of this secret sanctuary had.

In the house, you can see the office of Otto Frank, a moveable bookshelf, behind which was the entrance to the hiding place, Anna's room with posters of film stars, the claustrophobic room in which they lived...

Make sure to take a break after this museum, take a walk, or let your impressions fall into place with a warm fragrant waffle in one of the cafĂŠs next to the canal. If you have enough energy to tour another museum, stop by the Tulip Museum, dedicated to the most popular Dutch flower, to Madame Tussaud's Museum, or the Diamond Museum.

Photo: Cris Toala Olivares, photo archive: Anne Frank House

The moving story of Anne Frank

Photos: the diary of Anne Frank, which she wrote while hiding in the attic of a house during the Second World War (top left); Anne's photo in the museum (top right); a movable bookshelf, behind which was the entrance to the secret hideaway (middle left); the Cheese Museum (middle right); the Tulip Museum (bottom).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 123

Photo: Cris Toala Olivares, photo archive: Anne Frank House

Photo: Cris Toala Olivares, photo archive: Anne Frank House

tip: Walk carefully through Anne Frank's House because the stairs are steep and narrow, and avoid the long lines in front of the museum with online ticket reservations.

We're taking you to...

Photos: as a part of the "Titanic" travelling world exhibition, several artifacts from its passengers were shown, and the exhibition hall was reconstructed according to the ship cabins and passageways of the most famous ship in the history of the world.

The hull of the Titanic was discovered in 1985, after eight separate expeditions to the bottom of the sea. The last expedition was in 2010.

124 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

AMSTERDAM

Experience the Titanic Various travelling world exhibitions are continually held in Amsterdam, and one of them, dedicated to the Titanic, the most famous ship and shipwreck in the history of the world, was held during our visit to the city at the Amsterdam EXPO. We couldn't control our curiosity, just like the 25 million people who saw the exhibition before us all over the world.

We were interested in the chronology of the journey: from the construction of the boat, to the accommodations of the people on board, all the way to the maritime disaster that took 1500 souls to the bottom of the Atlantic back in 1912. It is truly impossible to remain unmoved while walking through the reconstructed rooms of the ship, listening to the music the Titanic's passengers listened to while on

board, looking at the original remains of the ship, and various artefacts of its passengers: from a perfume bottle a salesman wanted to take and sell in New York, to gold and diamond jewelry belonging to a wealthy lady, and the well-preserved clothing of an immigrant who wished to start a new life in America, all the way to various glass objects, cutlery, and a porthole.

Tireless windmills Now that you've felt the rhythm of the city, taken a ride through the canals and on bikes, smelled the tulips, popped into some museums, and enjoyed waffles, it's time to get to know the area surrounding Amsterdam. And to find out the story of windmills, taste Dutch cheese, try on clogs, and to take a walk through the largest flower garden in the

world. Don't worry, you can do it all in one day, if you decide to take a one-day excursion, lasting about ten hours, with one of the many travel agencies.

On your way to the picturesque windmill village of Zaanse Schans, you will experience the true flatlands of this country, where most of the land is below sea level. For centuries, the Dutch have tirelessly fought the battle for their land by building dikes and dams, and drying out polders with the help of windmills, of which there were once 30 thousand in the Netherlands, and now there are a little more than a thousand. Some of them have industrial roles, others are for pumping water, and the third are used to produce energy. Along the way you will see many small windmills that are used for pumping water and a series of small channels, which together tirelessly fight to keep the land away from the sea.

The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe, on the North Sea, and it is an incredibly low-lying country, where most of its area is below sea level. For centuries, the Dutch have been fighting for their land with the construction of dikes and dams, and drying out polders with the help of windmills. Did you know that "dam" means dike, and the name Amsterdam means "dike on the Amstel River"?

Dutch cities built on dikes often have that suffix in their names: Amsterdam, Volendam, Rotterdam...

tip: In one of the windmills, have a look at how they make peanut oil and flour. Climb up to the top of one of them to take a panoramic photo of this picturesque village.

Photos: typical green wooden houses in Zaanse Schans (top left), the best known Dutch village of windmills, which are still in function today (right); wherever you look, you will see canals in the Netherlands (bottom left).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 125

We're taking you to...

AMSTERDAM

Photos: the picturesque fishing village of Volendam is known for, amongst other things, their beautiful houses, gardens, and windows, whose owners compete in their decoration (top and bottom left); the Catholic church in Volendam, a Catholic village (bottom middle); a fish snack and restaurant in Volendam (bottom right).

126 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Zaanse Schans is a Dutch village, located north of Amsterdam, with the most beautiful examples of old windmills, which, impressively, still work today. In one of them, built in 1607, you can still see how they make peanut oil and flour.

Other old trades, typical green wooden houses, a small and attractive shopping street, and several museums await you in this photogenic village and outdoor museum.

A village of cheese, and island of clogs We continued our trip to the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, famous for its cheese factory and museum, numerous seafood restaurants, but also for the window decorations of the centuriesold houses. Here you will literally see neighbors compete in window decorating while you pass down the idyllic narrow streets and over the wooden bridges to the cheese museum. Here you will find out first-hand how to make cheese, which, believe it or not, every Dutch person consumes 80 kg of annually, and definitely taste a few. Gouda is the most famous type, and it is produced here with various additional ingredients, and if you

plan on coming home with this gourmet souvenir, this is the right place to get it. Lunch in one of the many seafood restaurants, or at least a fish snack, which you can eat on the go, is something not to be missed. From Volendam, you can catch a boat which will take you to Marken Island, surrounded by dikes, and famous for its green and black houses, inhabited by about two thousand islanders. Still, the island is most famous for its large clog factory, where you can see their production process, but where you can buy them, either as footwear, or as a souvenir.

tip: While in Volendam, try some of the Dutch cheeses, and the unavoidable fish&chips. On Marken Island, find out how clogs are made.

Photos: a short presentation on the production of cheese in the cheese factory and museum in Volendam (top left); Gouda cheese is made here with various additions (top right); Marken Island (bottom left), known for its large workshop for clogs, for which you will be able to see the production process (bottom right).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 127

We're taking you to...

Photo: at Keukenhof, you will see tulips in the most diverse colors.

The Netherlands are the world's greatest exporter of flowers (mostly tulips) and bulbs. It is most famous for tulips, which bloom from March to August, and their high season is in late April. Tulips actually come from Turkey, and the first bulbs were brought to the Netherlands around the year 1500.

128 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

AMSTERDAM

tip: Visit Keukenhof Park in the spring, when the tulips are in full bloom and enjoy the extravagant colors, scents, and patterns.

The largest flower explosion in the world This one-day excursion ends in a flower paradise, Keukenhof Park, the largest flower garden in the world, which awaits you with a 32-hectare carpet, made up of more than seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers. The magical fragrance, explosion of color, patterns, and creativity of the designers of the park, which is only open eight weeks a year (in accordance with tulip blooming season) are a unique experience, and the reason why tourists from all over the world visit this park. The pavilions within the park continually change 30 flower and plant programs, and

they are an excellent place to find out gardening trends, but also to get ideas for designing your own garden. Every year, the flower parade is held here, which is often the reason many tourists arrive in Amsterdam in the spring. The park also has a windmill that, together with tulip fields that surround it, a favorite motif for many photographers who visit this garden. The tulip fields can also be seen from a 45-minute boat ride through the canals that run between the fields. Bicycles are not permitted within the park, but if you wish to explore the surrounding fields on two wheels, you can rent a bicycle at the main entrance to the park. We end our story of Amsterdam with the floral story of Keukenhof. For now. ď ś

Photos: flowers planted in the shape of typical houses in Amsterdam (top left); in spring, tourists from all over the world visit Keukenhof Park (top right); the windmill at the park offers a view of the endless fields of tulips (bottom left); carpets of flowers spread over the 32 hectares of the park (bottom middle); a lake with swans emphasizes the romance of this park even more (bottom right).

June / July 2014.

tipTravelMagazine 129

www.tipTravelMagazine.com Download the tipTravel magazine iOS Newsstand application from the App Store to have an even better reading experience, in English and/or Croatian.

The application, and all magazine issues on it, are free of charge.

130 tipTravelMagazine June / July 2014.

Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

Download here: