tip Travel magazine Croatia 008 (English edition) 10-11/2014

ISSN: 1849-059X

EN

Number 8 • Year II • October - November 2014

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Issue topic

Croatia: Central Dalmatia

South Asia:

Split Šolta Omiš

Nepal

Glamping

Glamour in touch with nature

WIN:

T I C K E TS Concerts & performan

ces

BOOKS

Novigrad-Cittanova • Zagreb County • Croatian Zagorje CBTour 2014 • Gourmet: Kastav • UNESCO: Lepoglava lace

Zagreb, November 6 - 8, 2014:

The Worldwide Summit of Presidents of Travel Agencies Associations

kolovoz / rujan 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

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: Sanja Plješa, Vlatka Vužić, Tatjana Miščančuk, Andreja Milas, Morana Jandrek Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: Tip Kreativa Ltd. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, fotolia Cover page: Split, photo: Ante Zubović (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor and 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.

tipTravelMagazine kolovoz / rujan 2014.

Editorial

'Old' places, new stories

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've always been fascinated by the fact that no matter how many times I visit a destination, every time, but truly every time, I discover something new. Or that place surprises me with something unexpected. That is why I like to go back to some places, especially those where I simply feel good. So, we recently went to Split, and I don't know how many times I've been there, but it was the first time I was there during Diocletian's Days, a festival that takes the city back to the time of this famous Roman emperor.

Walking through the city in a Roman toga, excellent musical on Peristil, and Roman dinner in Diocletian's cellars were enough to continue telling our friends about our experience weeks later.

However, those aren't the only experiences that thrilled us this summer. We also explored two, slightly inconspicuous destinations. Šolta, an island a stone's throw away from Split, won us over with its indescribable peace and quiet, interesting stories, and exotic coves. Although it is only located 45 minutes away from the largest city in Dalmatia by ferry, it is still, believe it or not, possible to find a cove of your own here. Omiš, with the Cetina canyon that

gives it its special mystical landscape, is a story of its own. You can also read more about it in this issue.

Did you know that, according to urban legend, glamping was created when famous Hollywood actors shot films in the desert and wanted to have the total luxury and availability of all services like at home? Find out more about this fast-growing global trend, and the leading glamping destinations worldwide on pages 32-39. We also bring you an overview of the diverse and aromatic autumn festivals that have engulfed Croatian destinations, we explore Nepal, "the country at the top of the world", and many other interesting facts and travel ideas. Once again, in this issue, in collaboration with our partners, we bring you tickets for concerts and shows, interesting books...

As of recently, Tip Kreativa, publisher of tipTravel magazine, is the proud bearer of the GREEN MARK, the leading Croatian sign of excellence in green business conduct, and the winner of valuable awards (find out more on pages 8-9).

Just to show off a bit :-) 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

S

photo gallery slideshow + integrated video

kolovoz / rujan 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

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

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ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS IN CROATIAN HOSPITALITY

Croatian Camping Union

32-39

50-51

8-9 CBTour 2014 10-11 NEWS CROATIA 12-29 BLUE CROATIA Split-Dalmatia County: Adventure in Central Dalmatia 30-31 TIPS4YOU In October and November 2014, don't miss...

32-39 GLAMPING: Glamour Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savezin touch with nature

Youth Hosteli Association ferijalni i hostelski savez rvatski ferijalniHrvatski iCroatian hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez oatian Youth Hostel Association Croatian YouthHostel Hostel Association Croatian Youth Association 40-41 HISTORICAL TRACES: Croatian Youth Hostel Association

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Zagreb's funicular

42 TIPS4YOU: The Worldwide Summit of Presidents of Travel Agencies Associations 43-44 EVENTS - Zagreb 46-49 INTERVIEW - Ratomir Ivičić, Director of the Head Office of the CNTB: Project Croatia 365 for a longer pre- and post-season 50-51 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA Skradin 52-55 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Ivanić-Grad & Dugo Selo: Autumn in the 'green ring'

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

Environmentally Friendly

74-75

86-89

84-85

98-109

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

58-61

68-69

58-61 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Novigrad - Cittanova: Cycling and gourmet trips through Novigrad 64-67 EVENTS - Croatian Zagorje: The best of autumn 68-69 UNESCO - Lacemaking in Croatia: The beauty and magic of Lepoglava lace 70 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY: Ka탑un 72-73 CROATIA ONLINE

74-75 GOURMET CROATIA Kastav: Kastav style slow food 76-78 CULTURAL SCENE A hot musical autumn 80-81 CULTURAL SCENE Interview: Elemental 82-83 HEALTH TOURISM: Hot springs and therapeutic water 84-85 WE PRESENT Ekspedicija.net Journeys with more adrenaline

86-89 TRAVEL WRITERS Tomislav Perko: Hitchhiking through five continents 90-91 SEND AND... WIN 92-93 UNICEF 94-95 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WORLD 96 INTERESTING FACTS 98-109 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO... Nepal: Butterfly hunting at the country on top of the world October / November 2014

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MAP

Destinations in this issue Krapina-Zagorje County

Zagreb

Dugo Selo Ivanić Grad

Novigrad-Cittanova Crikvenica

CROATIA Scale 1 : 1 000 000

Legend:

Skradin

SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY SPLIT OMIŠ Island of ŠOLTA

NEPAL China

India

Kathmandu

Bhutan

Bangladesh 6

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

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.

 Highest peak

 Power supply

 Climate:

 Drinking water

 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.

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.

Power supply: 220 V; frequency: 50 Hz

 Number 112

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.

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Award

CBTour 2014

tipTravel magazine a TOP project of Croatian creative and innovative tourism Tip Kreativa d.o.o., publisher of tipTravel magazine, won the CBTour award in the category of best marketing program for its digital and interactive online travel and tourism magazine. tipTravel magazine also received a special award from the Croatian Association for Energetics, based on this year's topic for World Tourism Day, "Tourism and Community Development" due to "significant merits in the promotion of Croatia's tourism offer on the national and, especially, on the foreign market".

Plitvice Lakes, photo: Ivan Čorić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

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or the fifth year in a row, the Croatian Association for Energetics chose the winners of the prestigious annual award for the most creative and innovative programs in business tourism, with emphasis on sustainable development - CBTour.

As in previous years, the Association for Energetics chose the award winners through a public bid, and awarded prizes in a total of nine categories, including: best overall program, best program of responsible tourism, best team building program, best creative program, best marketing program, best service, best product, best technology, and best manager.

This years' winners The Tip Kreativa company from Zagreb won the award for tipTravel magazine in the category of best marketing program, as well as a special award (the tenth award, which is traditionally awarded) for the best project of all the received applications in correlation with this years' topic for World Tourism

Day of "Tourism and Community Development". Željka Kunštek, editorin-chief of the magazine, also won the award for best manager. The Stella Mediterranea company from Klis won the CBTour 2014 award in the category for best overall program for the "Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow" project, while Ilirija from Biograd won the award for best program of responsible tourism and team building for the "Arsenal: Revitalized heritage site in the function of organizing business events". The best creative program of the year was the "XV Summer Geology School" project organized by the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, while Katapult promocija and G.A.D. produkcija from Zagreb, along with Zagreb Tourist Board, received the award for best service for this summers "Backyard" project. The Solin Tourist Board won the award for the "Solin hit destination of 2014 post-it note holder business tourism promotional souvenir" project, while the award for best technology was awarded to the

Lemax company from Šibenik for the "iTravel Software - reservation system" project.

Award ceremony in December The Croatian Association for Energetics is aimed at encouraging creative, innovative, and modern mechanisms for the development of Croatian tourism with the goal of better placement of Croatia's business-tourism offer, content, products, and services on the domestic and foreign market, with special emphasis on sustainable development.

From 2010 to 2013, a total of 40 Croatian travel companies received the CBTour award, and after the awards ceremony for this year's winners at the Association's closing ceremony in December of this year, the total will rise to 50. Winners of this award also gain the right to use and show the GREEN MARK, the leading Croatian sign of excellence in green business. 

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CROATIA Photo archive: Croatian National Tourist Board

News

Creation of a system for monitoring tourist revenue launched

Lim Bay, photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Istra Inspirit - an example of destination development The first Liburnian charging station for electrical cars opened The first Liburnian charging station for electrical cars was opened in the second half of August in the center of Lovran. It is the fourth such station in Croatia, and one of a total of 1165 in Europe. Charging cars takes about three hours, and until further notice it will be free of charge. Owners of electric cars can now charge their electric vehicles while on vacation on the Opatija Riviera. The charging station was opened in collaboration between a representative of the Kvarner Tourist Board, the Municipality of Lovran and its tourist board, and the Futura Trade Company from Lovran.

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Photo: Nikola Zelmanović (archive: Motovun film festival)

Lovran, photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

On September 9, representatives of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) signed a contract with representatives of the Omega Software Company for the creation and maintenance of an IT system for checking in and checking out guests. This launches a large project that will lead to the improvement of the conduct of tourist boards for checking guests in and out, as well as controlling the payment of residence taxes. "We have been working on the preparation of the project diligently for a long time in collaboration with representatives of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and with representatives of all levels from the tourist boards. All the efforts to date in collecting statistical data regarding the number of overnight stays and tourist arrivals will be maximally simplified, and precise data will be available at every given moment. 2015 will be a test year for this project and the system should be fully implemented in 2016", said Ratomir Ivičić, Director of the Head Office of the CNTB.

tipTravelMagazine October / November 2014

The results of the third year of the Istra Inspirit project were presented on the tourist boat "Kosirica" in the Lim Bay in late August, at which time the new "Morgan's Treasure" experience was presented. This project of the Istria County, the Istria Tourist Board, and the Istrian Tourism Development Agency enriches the cultural-tourism offer of the Istrian peninsula by reviving historical events at authentic locations, with the depiction of Istrian legends and myths. "This event is an excellent example of destination development and attracting tourists with an offer that doesn't include the sun and sea, which is one of our main goals", said Darko Lorencin, Minister of Tourism, at the presentation.

Support for film festivals Every year, film festivals attract a growing number of domestic and foreign tourists so it is no wonder that the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) offer financial support through direct financial assistance. Over the past two years, festivals have received 640 thousand kuna from the Ministry's and CNTB's budget. "Events of an international character, including film festivals, contribute to the added promotion of Croatia, and enrich the tourist offer in the destination", said Darko Lorencin, Minister of Tourism, and noted that festivals create an added motive for arrival, which is proven by the continued growth of domestic and international visitors at such events.

The creation of such additional offers, with the continued improvement of the quality of services is one of the preconditions of strengthening the competitiveness of individual destinations, concluded the minister.

Croatia to host Out of Country in 2016

Island of Lošinj, photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Dubrovnik, photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

At a meeting held in early September in New York, representatives of the United States Tour Operators Association, USTOA, chose Croatia as the host of the 2016 Out of Country congress. In spring 2016, the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) with its partners, the tourist boards of the Istrian County, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and City of Zagreb, will play host to fifty representatives of the USTOA, active members, and their guests. The itinerary for the American tour operators will include a two-day stay and tour of Zagreb, a meeting of the Head Council of the USTOA, a stay in and tour of Istria, with an organized discussion panel with representatives of the Croatian tourist industry, and a meeting with representatives of the sector in Dubrovnik. "The partner relationship that the CNTB has shown over the many years of collaboration with tour operators on the American market, along with the special features of Croatia's travel offer, were the reasons Croatia was chosen as the meeting destination for 2016", said Terry L. Dale, USTOA President.

Zagreb, photo archive: Zagreb Tourist Board

Rab, photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Halal tourism seminar held

Seaplanes to Croatian islands The first seaplane of the European Coastal Airlines Company flew from its home base in Split's Resnik towards Jelsa on the island of Hvar in late August. The DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane will fly four times daily during the promotional period for 99 kuna or 190 kuna in commercial sales. During autumn, the seaplanes will start flying to the island of Rab and Pula, and later, in a second phase, to Ancona. Seaplanes will fly all year long, with at least two flights daily to every destination.

Intensive collaboration with Islamic countries for the better understanding of the needs and expectations of Islamic guests, with the aim of increasing the number of guests from those countries, was the main topic of the seminar "Promoting cooperation and adaptation of the quality to the guests from the halal market" held September 4 in Zagreb. At the seminar, organized by the Zagreb Tourist Board and the Centre for Halal Quality Certification in Zagreb, representatives of Zagreb's travel agencies, hotels and restaurants attended. So far a total of 51 halal certificates have been issued in Croatia to producers of food products, and every year the number of Croatian hotels with halal certificates is on the rise. So far, there are 12, of which a total of four are in Zagreb.

Sustainable tourism conference held Croatia needs to focus on the development of sustainable tourism, which will extend the season, attract resources from European funds, and employ young educated people, said Hrvoje Carić from the Institute for Tourism, during the European inter-parliamentary conference on sustainable tourism, which was held from September 10 to 13 in Zagreb and on the island of Lošinj. When speaking of the challenges of sustainable development in Croatia, he emphasized that the better presentation of heritage and environmental protection demands an inter-disciplinary approach, but also solves one of the challenges of Croatian tourism: the lack of a la carte offers and bored tourists during poor weather. The close correlation of tourism, heritage, and the environment in attracting the modern tourist was emphasized at the conference, which gathered a hundred participants from 23 European countries and Morocco.

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Blue Croatia

SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY

Although it is most visited in the summer months, you won't be making a mistake if you visit Central Dalmatia at any time of the year.

Moreover, when the summer heat dissipates, crowds disperse, the sea is still pleasantly warm, and the sun continues to grace the charming stone cities and towns of the heart of the Adriatic, starting an adventure in this part of Croatia is even more enticing.

We explored Split, the island of Ĺ olta, and OmiĹĄ, and we bring you the experiences you simply have to try for yourself.

Split

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COUNTY

SPLIT-DALMATIA SPLIT, ISLAND OF ŠOLTA, OMIŠ

CROATIA

Maslinica, island of Šolta

Adventure in Central Dalmatia Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek, and photo archives of Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Split Tourist Board, Šolta Tourist Board and Omiš Tourist Board

Omiš

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Blue Croatia

SPLIT

Split

The paths of Emperor Diocletian Photos: a view of Split's waterfront promenade, a favorite gathering place for the people of Split and their guests (top); a photo of Diocletian's palace in its original condition (bottom left); Diocletian's cellars (bottom middle); a formal procession in celebration of Diocletian's Days (bottom right).

The cellars in Diocletian's palace are one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind.

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ust like most tourists, our first stop was Split, the "capital city" of the Split-Dalmatia county, which is truly easy to reach, whether you arrive by car, train, boat, or plane. Emperor Diocletian reached this tame Adriatic cove around 293, and recognizing the attractiveness of the location, he decided to build his luxurious palace of around 30 thousand square meters, and retired there after relinquishing the throne of the Roman Emperor. As the first inhabitant of Split, he probably had no idea that the largest city in Dalmatia would develop around his palace. Even today, people still live within the walls and ruins of this ancient palace, which is now the historical center of Split, so don't be surprised if, while walking through the old town center, you sense the enticing aromas of Dalmatian cuisine or notice

a line tied between the windows of old stone houses, with laundry drying. That charming and familiar Mediterranean sight is one of the motifs that will make you keep your camera ready at all times in this city.

Mystical cellars Enter the old city center through one of the four gates: Golden, Iron, Brass, or the small city gate (near the former Silver gate), each of which have their own story. Emperor Diocletian passed through the Golden gate when entering the palace back in 305 A.D., and since the Silver gate was closed off for security reasons back in the Middle Ages, a small city gate was opened next to them, which will take you down a decumanus, an ancient sidewalk. The Iron gate is the only one that had life flowing through it

Photo: "Diocletian's Days" are a festival that takes Split back to the time of this Roman emperor.

all 17 centuries, while the Brass or safety gate ensured an escape route to the sea if the palace was attacked. Today, they are considered the main gate, and most tourists, accompanied by their local guides, start off on their adventure of exploring the old part of Split from that point. Once you pass through the gate, you will leave Split's waterfront promenade behind, and the wide passageway in front of you will offer

you several passages to the unique ambiance of Diocletian's mystical cellars. Explore this ancient complex, which was used in part in medieval times for residential purposes, while the other part was used for the production of oil and wine. Today, the cellars are full of life, maybe even more than before. It is likely that you will come across an exhibition of sculptures or paintings, a show, or a fair while there.

The people of Split are proud of Emperor Diocletian, the founder of their city, and every year in August, they organize a "Days of Diocletian" festival. During that time, Split goes back to the time of this famous Roman emperor, Roman legions line his streets and squares, and Emperor Diocletian passes from the waterfront promenade to Peristil, which once again becomes a stage for concerts, plays, and dance programs.

At the festival, visitors can try various gastronomic delicacies, inspired by the era of Emperor Diocletian.

Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 9 21000 Split, Croatia, tel: +385 21 348600 touristboard@visitsplit.com

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Blue Croatia

SPLIT

tip: From October 23 to 25, 2014, come to the All Senses Weekend in Split, a festival in tribute of Montreux Jazz, which successfully brings together excellent music, food, and wine for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this journey for the senses in Diocletian's palace, where famous jazz guitarist, Pat Martino, will also perform.

Photo: Peristil, the square on which the cathedral of St. Domnius and bell tower are located (top).

Split's cathedral is unique for many things, and amongst European cathedrals, it has one of the oldest buildings as its seat: the mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian.

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In Split's living room Now that you have explored the cellars, continue down the central passageway, climb up the stairs or, as the locals call them, skaline, and... stop in front of this scene that takes many people's breath away. Welcome to Peristil, the magnificent square dominated by the cathedral of St. Domnius, surrounded

by Renaissance and Gothic palaces built by Split's aristocratic families. Take your time here, sit on the steps in front of the coffee house and have a cup of coffee in Split's living room, where you will feel as if you're in a movie. Feel the vibe of this place that so many people have passed through over the centuries, and take a look around. You will notice a lot of details, and some interesting

features, such as the Egyptian sphinx on the western entrance to the church. It was delivered in Diocletian's time, when the Emperor's mausoleum stood in the place of today's cathedral. To get a bird'seye-view of the palace, climb up the St. Domnius bell tower, and make sure you take your camera, and some sturdy shoes, along with you for the adventure.

Every step you take will be more than worth it, when you get a 360 degree view from the top of this 57-meter high bell tower. Afterwards, take a tour of the cathedral and its treasury, which houses valuable manuscripts, relics, icons, and other objects, and then head down to the crypt, dedicated to St. Lucia, Christian martyr, next to whose statue many visitors leave messages, thank you notes, requests... Leave one for her yourself, and

w w w. d a l m a t i a . h r inf o@d alm atia.hr Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/1, 21000 Split, Croatia tel/fax: +385 (0)21 490 032, 490 033, 490 036

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Blue Croatia

SPLIT

Photos: the view from the bell tower of the cathedral of St. Domnius to Peristil, a part of the city, and Marjan hill (top left); the crypt beneath the cathedral is dedicated to St. Lucia (top middle); entrance to Jupiter's temple (top right); various events are held on Split's waterfront promenade all year long (bottom left); Vestibul, the former empirical entrance hall (bottom middle); Split's waterfront is a favorite promenade in the city (bottom right).

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head back to Peristil because there's more to explore.

Only a few steps lie between you and the top part of the square and the Vestibule, the ancient empirical entrance hall, which is circular on the inside and square-shaped on the outside. This was once the entrance to the residential part of the palace, which was still occupied only a little more than half a century ago. If you would like to fall asleep surrounded by ancient Roman walls and awake the next morning like and emperor, you can do so in an old early-Romanesque house, currently adapted into a small, superb, and comfortable hotel located right next to the Vestibule. A walk through medieval Split will also reveal many

other interesting features. You will come across palaces and "old Romans", hidden churches and towers, and definitely stop

by Jupiter's temple. It was previously used for celebrating Jupiter's cult, and was later transformed into a baptistery.

The waterfront - the pulse of the city However, Split is more than Diocletian's palace. This city lives intensely and to its fullest outside the walls of this ancient palace as well. Take a walk down its waterfront promenade, the main gathering place of the people of Split and their guests, where you will best feel the pulse of Split today. This is where they have their morning coffee, await

PROMO

VIRTUAL TOUR

A corner of luxury in the old center of Split

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ld-time charm on one hand, and modern, luxurious style on the other... Do they sound like they clash? At the Hotel Luxe, in the heart of Split, they definitely go together. Moreover, it has proven to be a winning combination, confirmed by the increasing number of guests from the most diverse parts of the world who find their home in Split at this hotel.

Unique design Believe it or not, this modern boutique hotel was built at the site of a former factory, and today it attracts guests

from all continents with its modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms, superb service, and many facilities. The colorful and warm rooms, and unique interior design are the first things you will notice upon arriving at this oasis in Split.

You will also be awaited with a relaxed atmosphere at the restaurant here, where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast, topped off with local organic ingredients which will take you on a gourmet journey through the heart of Dalmatia with their flavors and aromas.

Have your first morning coffee at the lobby bar, a friendly and comfortable place with a view of one of the liveliest

streets of Split. This exciting view also awaits you in the Cigar Lounge, made for those who enjoy relaxing with the scent and aroma of their favorite cigar and taste of superb cognac. Due to its high-quality furnishings and pleasant ambiance, the salon is often the venue for gatherings of business partners, meetings, and small conferences.

For total relaxation, visit the pleasant wellness corner in the hotel. The sauna, whirlpool, or massages will be enough to relax and rejuvenate you, while athletic guests can visit the fitness room. The hotel also offers a parking lot for all guests visiting Split by car. ď ś

Hotel Luxe, K. Zvonimira 6, 21000 Split, Croatia, tel: +385 21 314444, reservations@hotelluxesplit.com, www.hotelluxesplit.com October / November 2014

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Blue Croatia

SPLIT

Photos: Prokurativa, the theater square (top); the Venetian temple on Voćni trg (right); Marmont's street with an unusual fountain (middle left); the Croatian National Theater in Split (middle); Narodni trg (bottom left); a statue of Grgur Ninski (bottom right).

Croatia can boast seven cultural-historical and natural beauties inscribed on UNESCO's list of world cultural heritage sites, as well as many pieces of protected intangible cultural heritage. A large part of those Croatian gems are hidden in Central Dalmatia: Diocletian's palace in Split, the city of Trogir, the Stari Grad plain on Hvar, the "Za Križen" procession on the island of Hvar, the Sinjska Alka, agave lace, and Klapa singing.

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their guests, hold festivals, and organize sports and New Year's celebrations. This is where the pulse of Split is strongest today. Go down Marmont's street, a pedestrian zone lined with Art Nouveau villas and numerous stores, as well as a fish market, which isn't occupied by flies due to the scent of the sulfur water and an unusual fountain nearby. Take a walk, or "đir" as the people of Split would say, down Prokurativa, a square with a long tradition of theater and festivals, and pass by Narodni trg ("Pjaca"), where the first city hall is located in front of another traditional gathering place of the people of Split. Don't forget to drop by one of the most beautiful squares, Voćni trg, dominated by an octagonal tower built

by the Venetians, and stop by Pazar, the city marketplace where you can find many domestic products grown by local producers. Leave some time to swim on Bačvice, a sandy beach in the heart of the city, which they call "Split's Copacabana". They play picigin here in the summer and winter, and at night, it is a favorite amongst the young, for its entertainment. Don't leave Split without climbing up Marjan. This park-forest, as if it were made for recreation, awaits you with many little churches, natural and exercise trails, and three viewpoints with irresistible views of Split, the Kaštel Riviera, the cities of Solin and Trogir, and the nearby islands. Amongst them, you will see Šolta. 

touristinfo@visitsplit.com www.visitsplit.com

www.dalmatia.hr

info@dalmatia.hr

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Share Central Dalmatia on social networks and download smartphone app!

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Blue Croatia

ISLAND OF ŠOLTA Photo: Stračinska bay on Šolta Island.

Šolta

The island of honey, wine, olives, and hidden coves...

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the island of Šolta are the lyrics to a famous Croatian song that sings about how Šolta can be seen from the window. The other thing is the saying from Šolta "I hope you get Šolta." Not so long ago, we "got Šolta", the central Dalmatian island closest to Split, of which the least is known. So we decided to explore this mysterious beauty and we bring you its story below... tip: If you plan on touring Šolta by car, fill up your tank in Rogač since that is the only gas station on the island.

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A

lthough the schedule said that the ferry ride from Split to Rogač, the main port on the island of Šolta would take an hour, we arrived on the island in only 45 minutes. We didn’t even have time to finish reading our newspaper... We had another morning coffee upon arrival in sunny Rogač, next to the sea that smells differently here. An island is an island, we concluded, looking at the turquoise color of the sea that enticed us to swim.

We decided to delay swimming until later and headed out by car towards the interior, the very heart of the island. An easy drive with an open window, and true enjoyment in the scent of various Mediterranean and medicinal herbs, which are abundant on the island. On our way, we see dry stone walls (piles), which the islanders perfected the skill of building over the centuries, while cleaning the quarries of stone and fighting for every piece of barren land.

Next to them, you will also see fields, gardens, vineyards and olive groves, with indigenous sorts of olives: Oblica and Levatinka (Šoltanka), which the ancient Greeks brought to the island, and which are still used to produce extra virgin olive oil. The hosts told us that during Diocletian's time, limestone was produced in dry stone furnaces, which the people of Šolta called japjenice.

Grohote - the center of the island Šolta is a small island and everything on it is in relatively close proximity, so only two kilometers stood between Rogač and Grohote, the largest and oldest medieval village on the island, which also houses Šolta's municipal office. The center of the town is dominated by the 17th century Slavić-Rossignoli fortress, with two defense towers that still have their gunneries preserved. Later, the towers were renovated into residential housing and served as a summer home for this family from Split, and now the municipal offices are located there. Due to its attractive appearance, the courtyard of the fortress is often, especially in the summer months, the venue for various concerts and events. Near the fortress is the Brotherhood building, which houses many exhibitions throughout the year, and if you head north of the fortress, you will come across the ruins of the Zabota tower, whose construction was started, but never completed. Visit the church of St. Stephen, the patron saint of the

village, next to which the ruins of an early-Christian basilica are located. There are also two early-Christian sarcophaguses at the graveyard next to the church, along with the grave of Vesna Parun, the most famous Croatian poet of the 20th century, whose mother hailed from Šolta. EugenĐenko Buktenica, famous painter of naïve art, whose nephew, Vicko Buktenica, is following in his footsteps, also hails from the island. In honor of his uncle, he opened a memorial house and naïve art gallery.

Photos: picturesque stone streets in Stomorska (top left); the SlavićRossignoli fortress dominates the center of Grohote, the largest and oldest village on the island (top middle); the church of St. Stephen in Grohote (top right); beekeeper Goran Tvrdić will gladly teach you about the life of bees, and tell you about the importance of their protection (bottom left); beehive on the Tvrdić family estate (bottom right).

Šolta's sweet story Before you continue your adventure through the island, buy some food and other supplies in Grohote because there aren't many stores on most of the island.

While in Grohote, stop by the Tvrdić family estate to make your trip on Šolta even

Šolta is 19 km long and 4.9 km wide, and located 16-18 km from Split.

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Blue Croatia

ISLAND OF ŠOLTA

Photos: you can try green and black olive pâté and domestic olive oil in Gornje Selo at the Kaštelanac farm (left); Vicko Kaštelanac grows the Dobričić wine sort, indigenous to Šolta (top and bottom right).

There was once a lot of the Dobričić sort on Šolta, and it was famous in Europe, and they say that this wine from Šolta was consumed at court in Vienna, in the Czech Republic, and in France. Due to its viscosity and pronounced tannins, they considered it food and medicine on Šolta.

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sweeter, since this family has been in the beekeeping business for three generations, and thanks to their superb honey and honey products, this island is becoming known as the "honey island". Beekeeper Goran Tvrdić will introduce you to the lives of bees in a simple and entertaining way and show the importance of their preservation and protection. He will take you to the beehives, show you a real beehive, and teach you how to distinguish a queen bee from a worker bee. Here you will also find out why people often say "you're as lazy as a drone", what propolis is and how pollen is gathered, and you will also get a lot of useful advice such as, for example, why not to put honey in hot beverages. You will be able to try spinning honey, and besides tasting the wonderful gingerbread, try some of the types of honey, which you can also buy here. The "star" here is Šolta honey of wild

rosemary, "Olintia", which has been valued and sought after since olden times. This passionate beekeeper will also show you his impressive collection of honey from all the continents and remind you once again before you leave to: "give bees a chance".

Wine and olives We continued on to Gornje Selo, where, along with the beautiful examples of rural architecture, we were distracted by the Dobričić sort of wine. The tradition of cultivating this wine sort indigenous to Šolta, characterized by an incredibly dark red color, is nurtured by the Kaštelanac family. Vicko Kaštelanac revealed to us that just recently it was proven that this indigenous sort from Šolta, which has been grown here since the olden ages, is actually the "father" of Plavac Mali, the most famous Croatian sort of red wine.

In the family's tasting area, you can also try Dobričić rosé, as well as spirits made of carob, myrtle, lemon, black olives, bay leaf, and figs, along with domestic olive oil, and everything will taste even better once you try some of the gastronomic delicacies: anchovies and salted sardines, and pâté made of green and black olives.

Homemade spirits, wine, and even scented soap can be bought here and taken home to bring you back to this unbelievable island with its aromas and flavors when you are far away.

Maslinica fairytale Our path led us on to Srednje and Donje Selo, where the indescribable peace and quiet was even more pronounced, and then we headed down to the sea. The largest bay on Šolta is home to the most-tourist-oriented island

community of Nečujam, where even Emperor Diocletian had a country estate.

Inspiration was found here by many great Croatian writers such as Petar Hektorović, Vladimir Nazor and Marko Marulić, who, as the locals will boast, wrote his epic poem "Judita" in Piškera Bay. Today, inspiration and an escape from reality is found here by many tourists, but also inhabitants of Split, many of whom have cottages here. If you are looking for a more peaceful and hidden cove, visit Stomorska, a fishing village and harbor, from where Šolta's wine, olive oil, vegetables and limestone were once traded. Just like in the past, wooden sailboats still visit, only now they transport curious tourists.

As far as beaches are concerned, you will find the prettiest on the southern side of the island. They are mostly pebble beaches surrounded by large boulders.

Photos: you will often see sailors in Šolta's waters (left); Stomorska Bay (top right); one of the attractive coves on the south side of the island (bottom right).

Šolta is one of the rare Adriatic islands that experienced several transformations of its name.

It was first mentioned as "Olyntia", "the island of figs", later as "Soletia", "the island of sun". That was followed by "Sulet", until it stopped with the name "Solta", as it was named in most Venetian maps.

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Blue Croatia

ISLAND OF ŠOLTA

Photos: the view of Maslinica from the balcony of the MartinisMarchi castle (top left); today, the Martinis-Marchi castle is a luxurious hotel (top right); on the island you can try out medieval archery (bottom left); Maslinički škoji (middle); an old stone house in Maslinica (bottom middle); the villages in the island's interior are especially interesting (bottom right).

The Eurasian scops owl, or scops owl, is Šolta's symbol.

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See their exotic features, and there is a great chance that you will find a small beach just for yourself on that side of the island. Sailors who sail Šolta's waters all year long and explore its hidden coves know that well, and as the sun sets, they like to set anchor in Maslinica, a fishing village on the west coast of the island.

This place is also especially attractive for fishermen who are into underwater and game fishing, due to the seven isles, Maslinički škoji, located at the entrance to the harbor. Divers also love to come here due to the interesting seabed. The town is dominated by the impressive Martinis-Marchi Baroque castle from 1706, which is now an exclusive hotel and restaurant. The castle and its park, which look like a film set, are a favorite site for weddings and small team building programs, and famous people often stay at this oasis in Maslinica. Along with its many beautiful beaches, Maslinica also

boasts the most beautiful sunset on the island. Long ago, Marko Marulić, the "father of Croatian literature", wrote: "Who sleeps on Šolta once always returns". See for yourself. 

Pirate nights, Klapa nights, Fishermen's nights, Naïve art colonies, regattas and tracking races are just some of the events held on Šolta. The two-day "Tugging of Mrduja" is especially interesting, where every year the people of Brač and Šolta tie ropes around the small island of Mrduja and row towards their own island in a tug-of-war to decide whose island it will be for that year.

Nature...

... Adventure

Weddings...

... Sailing

Genuine...

Šolta Tourist Board Podkuća 8, 21430 Grohote, Croatia tel: +385 21 654657, e-mail: solta@solta.hr

www.visitsolta.com October / November 2014

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OMIŠ

Omiš

Adventure Omiš style It was run by Omiš's pirates, the ancient Republic of Poljica (the first of its kind in Europe) developed next to it, and a river meets the sea there, creating a pretty impressive canyon... There are many special features in Omiš, and even more being discovered every day.

Photos: a view of the Cetina canyon (top left); Mirabela tower (top right).

tip: Take the zip-line through the canyon and then, in good company, head down a rafting adventure on the Cetina, which will reveal incredible landscapes and all the power of the river.

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I

f you head about twenty kilometers southeast from Split, you will reach Omiš, a city that at first sight looks much different from its other Mediterranean neighbors. Nature played its game differently here, and the clear Cetina River decided to divide the mountain mass on its 102 km long path to the sea, so it left a magnificent canyon behind. The entire landscape of this medieval city, surrounded by steep cliffs is a little mystical and it's completely possible to imagine the pirates of Omiš walked through the city for more than two centuries, guarding the beauty nature gave to them. In honor of the pirates, the hosts organize a pirate battle every August, a spectacle that will clearly depict a great battle from the 13th century, with more than a hundred armed participants on several

pirate and Venetian galleons and on smaller boats. It is the story of the victory of Omiš's leader Malduk against the Venetians, after which Omiš started charging the Venetians a toll for passing through the Brač channel.

From a zip-line to rafting In order to get a bird's-eye view of the city, climb up the city's Mirabela tower, which you can reach with stairs from the center of the old town. You will need between five and ten minutes to reach the top, depending on your level of fitness. When you get there, explore the remains of the strong fortress that remained preserved, and the 13th century tower, and before you head down, don't forget to take a picture of the panorama of Omiš and the Cetina

canyon. You will probably see kayakers, who, just like the many other fans of various sports adventures, visit this unique area all year long.

Thanks to the combination of steep cliffs, the river, sea, and untouched nature, Omiš has become a recognizable destination for active and adventure tourism on Croatia's tourist map. Here you don't have to venture far from the sea to feel the full strength of the river, and for example, head out rafting in good company on a rubber raft through the picturesque canyon, down waterfalls and rapids, surrounded by greenery. Canyoning is another activity that is gaining popularity with tourists in this region, while others prefer wind surfing. Many find their adrenaline rush in free climbing on Omiš's steep cliffs, while others decide to go parasailing and admire Omiš and its riviera from a bird's-eye view. Omiš also offers an especially attractive zip-line, where you can go down the canyon on a steel cable, of course, with a safety harness.

The underwater world of Omiš is a special story, well known by divers, and this area is excellent for trekking, as well as hiking, due to its many marked trails. There are also many opportunities for cyclists and swimmers, as well as fans of football, tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball. Once you see Omiš's landscape, it will be clear to you that spelunkers also find this area incredibly interesting.

Whichever form of active vacation or adrenaline rush you choose here, one thing is for sure - you will be back again for another dose. 

Split, the island of Šolta, and Omiš are just part of the Split-Dalmatia County where travel adventures last all year long. There is an entire range of cities, towns, and their stories, islands and hidden coves, fortresses and Roman roads, unexplored gems such as Dalmatian Zagora...

We will reveal more about them in a future issue.

Photos: a view of the Omiš's old town (top left); Omiš is a well-known destination for active tourism, so here you can see the canyon from the zip-line, or go rafting (top middle and right); the Pirate's Battle is one of the most attractive festivals in Omiš, held every year in August (middle and middle right); Klapa singing is included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (bottom).

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Croatian National Tourist Board) Photo: Aleksandar Gospić (archive:

u o y 4 s tip

following e h t n o t u o 14 Don't miss vember 20 o N d n a r e ctob events in O

Photo archive: Sisak-Moslavina County TB

Autumn in Lika

The Chestnut Festival in Hrvatska Kostajnica The largest, happiest, and most visited autumn festival in the Pounje region is doubtlessly the Chestnut Festival, which will be held from October 10 to 12 in Hrvatska Kostajnica.

A walk through chestnut groves, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, delicious cakes, songs, dances, exhibitions, sports competitions, and a lot more await all those who come to the city then.

Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

www.tzg-hrvatska-kostajnica.hr

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Autumn in Lika is a festival that takes place from October 3 to 5 in Gospić with the aim of preserving the tradition and production of traditional products. The central event is the exhibition of food, tools, and decorations that the people of Lika have been making since the beginning of time. With a rich gastronomic offer of food from this area, the festival will also be enriched with performances by folklore groups. www.lsz-lira.hr

The Days of Croatian Tourism in Opatija The Days of Croatian Tourism, a traditional annual gathering of workers in tourism, will be held on October 16 and 17 in Opatija, which celebrates 170 years of organized tourism this year.

As is usual at the event, which gathers between 1500 and 2000 participants, this year there will also be discussion about interesting tourism topics, and the traditional meeting of workers in tourism with members of the Government of the Republic of Croatia will be held, along with the tourism awards ceremony with awards for individuals, representatives of the tourism industry, and the best destinations.

Zagreb film festival

www.mint.hr

www.zagrebfilmfestival.com

The Zagreb Film Festival, which will be held from October 19 to 26 in Zagreb, brings the audience the newest and most interesting titles of debutant films. With many accompanying programs, the main program brings long feature films, short movies, and documentaries, while the Kockica program shows current short domestically produced films. The festival will be held in several locations: in the digitalized "Europa" and "Tuškanac" movie theaters, and in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb Dance Center, and Zagreb Puppet Theater.

St. Martin's Day in Daruvar

Photo archive: Daruvar Tourist Board

Winegrowers and vintners of the Daruvar area, a famous winegrowing region, will mark St. Martin's Day on November 8, with a main ceremony of blessing must on the central city square in Daruvar. On that day, the people of Daruvar will await you in the city center with an offer of great wine and gourmet delicacies from their region, and a folklore program by domestic and visiting folklore groups. www.visitdaruvar.hr

A congress for sustainable tourism in Zagreb

This year for the first time Dubrovnik will host the "Good Food Festival" from October 23 to 26. Over the course of the four days, you will be awaited by a presentation of Dubrovnik's culinary specialties, tasting regional wine, culinary workshops, children's programs, and many other events, such as "Dinners with Famous Chefs", workshops for the preparation of "Dubrovnik gulozece", a special menu in the restaurants of Dubrovnik, "Eat&Walk" gastro tours, a Sweet Tooth Map, etc.

As a part of the program, film projections will also be held on the topic of food, and one of the main events will be the traditional "DubrovaÄ?ka trpeza" event held on Stradun on October 23, which will launch this new food festival.

The festival will end on Sunday, October 26, with a cocktail show of Dubrovnik's barmen in front of the church of St. Vlaho. www.tzdubrovnik.hr

Zadar DigIT For the second year in a row, on November 13 and 14, experts from the fields of tourism, digital marketing, the media, and IT industry, along with all others interested in digital tourism, will gather in Arsenal in Zadar. Zadar DigIT 2014 will be focused on digital signage, augmented reality, the development of mobile platforms, optimizing and combining Google and Facebook platforms for advertising, travel blogs, sustainable tourism, and many other topics. This year, along with Croatian guests, famous lecturers from abroad will also participate at the conference, including Gianluca Laterza from TripAdvisor, Hans Petter Aalma (Visit Norway), Bart van Poola and Sanne Bakker (Spotted by locals) as well as Zornitzu Yovchevu (BU eTourism Lab).

The first Croatian congress for sustainable tourism with international participants will be held on November 12 in "The Westin Zagreb" hotel. The congress will bring together interested individuals, company representatives, associations, institutions, and the public sector at all levels for a joint cause: socially responsible business conduct as a basis of the sustainable development of society. There will be discussions held about the principles of sustainable development, the development of the tourism profession, and local communities, as especially valuable travel destinations, amongst other things. www.lux-promocija.com

Photo: The Westin Zagreb, archive: HUP Zagreb

Good Food Festival

www.digitzadar.com

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Trends

GLAMPING

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana, USA

Glamour in touch with nature Written by: Tatjana Miščančuk ◆ Photo archive: Glamping.com

Over the past twenty years, glamping, or glamourous camping has developed in various parts of the African desert, in Asia, and in North and South America. A few years ago, the trend arrived in Europe, and is slowly starting to develop in Croatia as well.

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The Resort at Paws Up, Montana, USA

The word "glamping" comes from the combination of two words: "glamour" and "camping", and urban legend says that glamping was first created when famous Hollywood actors made movies in the desert and they wanted total luxury in their tents and availability of services like at home.

EcoCamp Patagonia, Chile

Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti, Tanzania

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana, USA

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Trends

GLAMPING

Kasbah Tamadot, Marocco

Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti, Tanzania

Currently the most famous glamping destinations worldwide are The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, EcoCamp Patagonia in Chile, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti, in Tanzania, Kasbah Tamadot in Marocco, Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado (USA), Okuti, Ker & Downey in Botswana, and Silky Oaks Lodge in Australia.

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EcoCamp Patagonia, Chile

H

ave you ever wanted to stay in a Bedouin tent, which, besides the fantastic silence of the desert, incredible starry sky, and sticky desert wind, also offers authentic, simple food, drinking and washing water from bottles or leather canteens, but also expensive rugs on the ground instead of sand, and low silk beds?! Would you be ready to pay a hundred dollars/euros or more per night?! What has been offered in various areas of the African dessert and other African regions, especially famous for safaris (for example, Kenya and Mozambique) and parts of Asia, North and South America over the past 20 years to a chosen and somewhat adventurous clientele with higher purchasing power has become more accessible over the past few years to the less wealthy in Europe as well.

Creativity in design and luxury Now it has its own name, "glamping", which means a kind of glamourous camping in accommodations that are glamourous, or luxurious and creative in camps and other locations in nature, which are at the same time in touch with and immersed in nature. Whether it is a "glam camp" or part of a camp designed in that way, the trend is here and, according to expert evaluation, in global tourism and camping, glamping is a market niche with promising potential.

So, while some ask themselves, for one reason or another, whether glamping is a threat to the hotel industry and whether such a model of camping can be successfully combined with generally accepted attempts for sustainability of

Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado, USA

tourism and the environment where it is being developed, the glamping package has become an ever more present trend in many European camps, especially the best camps.

It is, first and foremost, creativity in design and luxury, but also an unusual offer for camps, which has its price, but isn't necessarily more expensive than high category hotel rooms. Accommodations aren't only a designated camp lot, but pitched tents made of special materials, in which various amenities are offered: from royal beds to air conditioning, free internet access, and private bathrooms.

At some camps, you can count on your own personal camp butler, as well as specially chosen and served food, as well as an offer of various attractive activities such as horseback riding, skiing, fishing, and watching birds or other animals.

Okuti, Ker & Downey Botswana

Okuti, Ker & Downey Botswana

Luxury mobile home trend Luxury tents aren't the only thing glamping offers. Luxury mobile homes with several bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and luxurious furnishings in the kitchens (superb dishes, appliances) and hired help, as well as heated pools, and a spa and wellness offer, have become more and more popular. Glamping can also mean accommodations in tree houses, villas, log cabins in the woods, on mountains, next to rivers and lakes, in large renovated wine barrels, but also in trucks that once housed beehives on meadows, and many other forms of

Vintage Hotel, Belgium

Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado, USA

Silky Oaks Lodge, Port Douglas, Australia

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Trends

GLAMPING

Beach House Iruveli, Maldives

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe

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Singita Boulders Lodge, South Africa

Viceroy Bali, Bali

Viceroy Bali, Bali

Silky Oaks Lodge, Port Douglas, Australia

Kamp Polari, Rovinj, Croatia

accommodations, with the unavoidable level of comfort and personalized service that satisfies nearly every desire the guest has.

According to research, this kind of offer is most popular amongst travelers who would like to experience the positive features of camping, without giving up comfort and modern technology, those who want to sleep under the stars, but not on the ground and in regular sleeping bags, but on beds and mattresses, and who don't want to pitch their own tent or eat, for example, hot dogs, but authentic local food. Most of the guests are families, couples, and elderly persons who see glamping as a relatively easy and nicer way of camping through which they can still experience nature and biodiversity.

Everyone who promotes and develops the offer especially emphasizes

its eco-friendly aspect, and the companies in the business, from small to large communities, highlight the sustainability of the offer. As far as prices go, they vary from 50 to 100 dollars per night per person to more than 500 American dollars. Many offer packages for several people for several days, for several thousand dollars.

Glamping in Croatia Over the past few years, several Croatian hotel companies, which have camps in their portfolio, have started introducing glamping packages. The offer was first developed in Istria, near Rovinj, Vrsar, and PoreÄ?, on the islands of Krk and Mali LoĹĄinj, near Zadar, and recently near Zagreb. It is possible to see some forms of agricultural tourism, or tourist farms in Croatia's interior and

at the coast, which are developing original accommodations and offers where guests aren't missing a thing.

We spoke to Adriano Palman, the director of the Croatian Camping Union (CCU), who stresses that glamping in Croatia and the surrounding region is a relatively new trend, which is a "different" kind of camping. As a product, it is possible to see as the only offer of a small camp or as part of the offer of a large camp, and Croatia is in its early stages with small camps. With large camps, glamping is set up differently than at small camps, and is often in the form of only a few glamping facilities with luxurious accommodations, occasionally with servants in nonstandard and luxurious mobile homes or tents with bathrooms, a living room, and superb furnishings. ď ś October / November 2014

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Mobile home in the Valkanela camp

Made for enjoyment

C

amping directly next to the sea, in idyllic preserved nature, with Mediterranean aromas, and a pleasant climate... Sounds tempting, doesn't it? Maistra's seven camps await you in such settings, immersed in greenery surrounding the pearls of Istria: Rovinj (Polari, Veštar, Amarin, and Valdaliso camps) and Vrsar (Valkanela, Porto Sole, and Koversada Naturist Park camps). The camps can host a total of 22 500 guests per day, so it is no wonder that Maistra is considered to be one of the travel companies with the largest number of camp units in Europe, and its 50-yearlong tradition of managing superb camps greatly affects the development of all of Croatia's camping tourism.

Besides attractive locations, these seven beauties can boast top-notch equipment, high-quality retail and

Photos: archive of Maistra d.d.

Rovinj Vrsar

restaurant facilities, contemporary sanitary facilities, modern pools, and highly professional services with an extremely kind staff. At the camps, you will also find many options for entertainment and sports, animation programs, and content for children, along with a rich offer of food that even the most refined taste buds won't be able to resist.

The comfort of mobile homes If you are looking for a holiday in nature, but don't want to sacrifice the comfort of home, the Polari camp, near Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns on the Mediterranean, is the right choice for you. Here you can choose between three categories of comfortable mobile homes, which house up to six persons.

Resting at the pool in Maistra's camps

www.CampingRovinjVrsar.com / info@maistra.hr / +385 (0)52 800 200 38

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A Deluxe house in the Polari camp

PROMO

Photos: a pool at a mobile home in the Valkanela camp, the interior of a house in the Valkanela camp, the dining room in a mobile home in the Polari camp.

The houses have two bedrooms and two bathrooms with showers, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, SAT TV, a free internet connection, a covered terrace with seating for six and a pool.

Besides the mentioned amenities, which are the integral part of the offer for all categories of houses, the terraces of the deluxe houses are equipped with a whirlpool. Those who prefer 'classic' camping can choose from one of 1500 attractive camping lots with a view of the sea, or hidden in the shade of pine trees. As far as sports amenities are concerned, the selection is truly large.

Beach volleyball, football, handball, basketball, table tennis, bocce, mini golf, parachute rides, windsurfing school, swimming school, diving school, rental of pedal boats, kayaks, jet-skis, and boats, rental, parasailing, water skiing, banana and tube rides... the

A bedroom in a mobile home in the Valkanela camp

choice is yours. Animation all day long is guaranteed here, and the camp also has three restaurants along the twokilometer long beach: the Feral fish restaurant, which is a favorite amongst fans of freshly caught fish and shellfish from the nearby Limski Bay, while Brnistra Grill, with its large selection of fresh salads and fruit, is ideal for dinner or a light lunch. For a quick, but tasty meal, visit Adria Snack.

Like at home You can experience camping with the enchanting view of the Vrsar archipelago at the Valkanela autocamp, located in a bay between Funtana and Vrsar. A large number of the 1800 lots are located in the first row to the sea, which makes this camp especially attractive. Just like in the Polari camp,

an additional attractive feature are the comfortable mobile homes, which will ensure you feel at home while staying in untouched nature.

Valkanela will also await you with many possibilities for recreation, and you can choose many things, from Zumba, aerobics, aqua aerobics, mini golf, and table tennis, to bike routes, Nordic walking, hiking trails, dance classes, and beach volleyball. Two restaurants within the camp, a pizzeria and self-serve restaurant, Kantineta and Smrikva Grill, located on the beach, will satisfy everyone's taste. The vicinity of Vrsar, Funtana, and other Istrian tourist destinations, wine and olive roads, bicycle trails, and many food and cultural festivals will entice you to return to this camp again once you have discovered it. ď ś

A bedroom in a mobile home in the Polari camp

www.CampingRovinjVrsar.com / info@maistra.hr / +385 (0)52 800 200 October / November 2014

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Historical traces...

ZAGREB

tip: When in Zagreb, take a short cut between the Upper and Lower Town and take a ride on Zagreb's funicular, the shortest cable car in the world.

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Zagreb's funicular

Google Street View: Address: Tomićeva Street (bottom station), Strossmayer promenade (upper station) 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb's funicular

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n October 8, 1890, at the initiative of a building entrepreneur from Osijek, Mr. Klein, Zagreb's funicular was launched with its two cars in what was Bregovita Street and is now Tomićeva Street.

It was steam-powered until 1934, when its steam engine and tanks were replaced with electrical power, to the delight of the people of Zagreb. The steam engine often broke down and would stop half-way through, which meant the passengers would have to continue walking up or down the narrow staircase, and there were often large crowds. It's no wonder that they called it the "zapinjača" the jammer. Today, Zagreb's funicular is the shortest cable car in the world, only 66 meters long, and it shortens the path between the Upper and Lower town for its passengers.

It is also a protected cultural monument. Its bottom station is in Tomićeva Street, which leads to Ilica, the longest street in Zagreb, while the upper station is located at the foot of Lotršćak tower on the Strossmayer promenade on the Upper town. 

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek

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u o y 4 s tip Photo: Robert KunĹĄtek

6 to 8, 2014 r e b m e v o .

From N iss out on.. m 't n o d , in Zagreb

The Worldwide Summit of Presidents of Travel Agencies Associations The congress is being held under the title "Vision 2020 - Global Changes and the Future of Travel Agencies" and it will gather representatives of the European and world leading business associations.

F Some of the congress topics include: "The Freedom of Travel - Balancing Security Needs with Freedom of Travel", "Tourism & Travel Distribution - The Travel Agent’s Perspective", and "International Tourism and the Future of Air Transport".

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rom November 6 to 8, 2014, Zagreb will host the 2nd Worldwide Summit of Presidents of Travel Agencies Associations.

The 2nd Worldwide Summit will bring together around 100 presidents of world leading business associations, including Mr. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as well as many travel industry professionals, institutions, and leading scientists and experts. The congress program titled "Vision 2020 - Global Changes and the Future of Travel Agencies" is envisioned as an international forum for discussing various issues that affect the travel industry, and the business of travel agencies at a global level. The goal of

the congress is to offer interesting content, enable experts and professionals from the travel industry to share their thoughts on global issues, current topics, and changes happening in global tourism, and to evaluate their effects on business and the position of travel agencies. There will also be news on new trends, ideas, and possibilities for development and improvements within the tourism sector, as well as discussions on challenges and issues of mutual interest.

Gathering such a large number of tourism industry leaders in Zagreb is also a unique opportunity to make new and strengthen existing business collaborations, as well as global promotion of Croatia.

The congress is being organized by the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies, in partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board, and the Zagreb Tourist Board. The congress is built upon the success of last year's first Worldwide Summit of Presidents of Travel Agencies Associations, which was held in Cordoba (Spain), organized by the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV).

More information on the congress, which will be held at the Hotel Sheraton in Zagreb, can be found at:

www.uhpa.hr

ZAGREB

Events

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Once again, the traditional "Our Wedding" event, organized by the HUP Zagreb Inc. hotel group, where all four hotels of the group will present their wedding reception packages at one location, will be held.

So on October 4, 2014 in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, The Westin Zagreb, Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Panorama Zagreb Hotel, and Hotel International will present future newlyweds their diverse and creative packages. The offers will be presented according to three price and quality categories: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each of them, besides offering the standard luxury ballroom, food and drinks, also have added values and offers.

The future newlyweds will be able to try the wedding menu dishes, and organize all the details of their weddings on the spot with experienced wedding planners from the hotel. It will also be an opportunity to see the newest trends in setting wedding tables and flower arrangements.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

"Our Wedding" at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

The Chilean Cuisine Week in Zagreb's Sheraton On September 22, the Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to Croatia, German Ibarra, prepared traditional Chilean dishes with the executive chef of the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Matija Balent, and so announced the "Chilean Cuisine Week", which is being held in the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel from September 25 to October 2, 2014.

Scallops sauce with avocado cream, "Marina" fish soup, artichokes with a goat cheese cream, beefsteak with merlot sauce, quinoa and zucchini, trout in wine and chives, salmon rolls in a vegetable cream sauce, with spaghetti in an avocado sauce, honey ice cream, and quinoa desserts are just some of Chile's traditional dishes, which can be tasted in this hotel in Zagreb during the Chilean Cuisine Week. The Republic of Chile celebrated its Independence Day on September 18, and one of the ways of celebrating this important day in Chilean history is the event dedicated to its cuisine.

The second birthday of the Relaxino.com website The Relaxino wellness sport holiday is celebrating its 2nd birthday with a promotional offer from its partners that started in September and will last until the end of 2014. On the website, you can find useful information on destinations, find out information on sports facilities, check out event calendars, etc. The offers are available in four foreign languages, and when reserving accommodations and/or services conducted on the website visitors to the website get discounts from Relaxino's partners.

"Oskar Travel Agency" offer presented "Oskar Travel Agency", specialized in the organization of tourist, experience, and adventure trips, presented their offer on September 9, 2014 in Zagreb.

The agency offers its travelers, more than 4500 annually, various travel styles and takes them to 65 destinations worldwide.

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ZAGREB

Photo archive: UHPA

Events

UHPA: 40 travel agencies received an important certificate Forty travel agencies of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA), along with the UHPA office introduced a quality management system to its business conduct according to the international ISO 9001:2008 standard.

So, UHPA became the first professional association in tourism in Croatia with that certificate, and one of the rare associations of travel agencies in Europe and the world whose members worked and cooperated together to get that certificate. In accepting

Photo: Petar Vučetić (source: University of Applied Sciences 'Vern')

the ISO standard and introducing the certified quality system, agencies show their dedication to the constant improvement of the quality of their services, also in accordance with the wishes and needs of their clients and the users of their services. The formal ceremony for awarding this important certificate to the forty members of UHPA and to UHPA as a professional organization, was held on September 8, 2014 in Zagreb.

Slovenian "relax oases" presented in Zagreb A business workshop that gathered representatives of numerous Slovenian spas, ski-wellness destinations, and hoteliers, organized by the Relaxino.com website, was held in Zagreb's Hotel Palace on September 18, 2014, where the representatives presented their offer to agents from Croatian travel agencies, as well as to representatives from other companies in tourism that visited the workshop. It was a chance to renew contacts, discuss collaboration, and to connect Croatian travel agencies with Slovenian representatives of the tourism sector, as well as being an opportunity to present some new accommodations on the Slovenian market. Amongst others, the workshop was attended by Jakob Štunf, representative of the Slovenian embassy in Zagreb, Livija Kovač Kostantinovič, representative of "Spirit Slovenija", and many journalists.

"Weather, Destinations, Events...

The Future of Croatian Tourism?" was the name of the panel held on September 5, 2014, at Vern University in Zagreb. Panel members included Darko Lorencin, Croatian Minister of Tourism, Ratomir Ivičić, Director of the Head Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board, and professors from this university: Željko Trezner,

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Director of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies, and Kristian Šustar, President of the Association of Employers in Croatian Hospitality.

The panel members analyzed this years' tourist season in Croatia, discussed the development of Croatian destinations in the pre- and post-season, and events as a motive for the arrival of tourists to Croatia.

Photo: Jan Serdar (source: Relaxino.com)

Panel on Croatian tourism held

PROMO

---------------------------- a sustainable business hotel in the heart of Zagreb

I

n early April 2014, Zagreb's famous Hotel International, located in the business center of Zagreb and the well-known host of many business meetings, congresses, and conferences, was awarded the "Sustainable Hotel" certificate in the Advanced category.

This award is proof of the successful sustainable management in the daily conduct of the hotel and the care and constant development of awareness for environmental protection at the

hotel. Energy efficiency, employee education, energy and water preservation, and controlling CO2 emissions are just some of the many criteria the hotel had to fulfil in order to attain this status. The "Green Business" certificate is the most recent of the certificates to affect the improvement of the offer and the quality of the services at the hotel.

Check out the attractive and superb quality of the Hotel International

services for yourself, choose this favored hotel in Zagreb while staying in the Croatian metropolis.

See why it was named the best inland 4-star hotel for three years in a row (2010-2012), and why this hotel is the proud owner of the "Tourist flower - Quality for Croatia" award. Need we add that last year the hotel received a special award for its many years of continued, high-quality service? ď ś

Hotel International, Miramarska 24, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, tel: +385 1 6108 800, hotel@hotel-international.hr, www.hotel-international.hr October / November 2014

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RATOMIR IVIČIĆ

RATOMIR IVIČIĆ, Director of the Head Office of the CNTB We spoke to Ratomir Ivičić, the new Director of the Head Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board about Project Croatia 365, a turning point in the promotional strategy of Croatian tourism, and the stronger promotion of Croatian destinations on foreign markets.

Photo archive: Croatian National Tourist Board

Interview

www.croatia.hr Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of the Croatian National Tourist Board (Ivan Čorić, Ivo Pervan, Zvonimir Tanocki, Stipe Surać) and Robert Kunštek

Project Croatia 365 for a longer pre- and post-season tip: Whether you choose the coastal or the continental region, you will enjoy yourself and rest your body and soul.

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Y

ou took over the position of running the national tourist board in late August. What are the first steps you have made upon arriving at the Head Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board?

The fact is that as of March of this year as deputy minister of tourism, in collaboration with him, I spent part of the work day in the Croatian National Tourist Board, where I had the opportunity to get to know the system well, as well as the employees, their work, interests, and

relationships in the office as a whole. So, I gained insight into the dynamics, intensity, and quality of the work of the Head Office first hand, and the change of working environment and taking over these duties, as a logical continuation of my career and a professional challenge, have allowed for the continuation of all activities undertaken in the previous period, but also the intensification of those to follow. Currently, we are actively working on the "Croatia 365" project, as well as the completion of a large project,

Extending the season in Croatian destinations is one of the priorities, and this year, 22 destinations that should strongly focus on reaching that goal, have been singled out. What does that pilot project entail, or better said, how will you try to extend the season, and what is the current situation in the post-season?

The Croatian National Tourist Board launched the "Croatia 365" project with the basic goal of raising brand awareness, that is, the development of the awareness of Croatia as a destination that also has an attractive offer in the pre- and post-season, as well as having the goal of introducing business partners and potential guests with destinations that offer authentic and interesting products/content and experiences in the pre- and post-season. The previously mentioned 22 destinations have been formed independently of administrative borders for the first time, and content for tourists will be available there until October 15. With this project, we are finally opening the doors to creating

products in accordance with the Croatian Tourism Development Strategy until 2020, and improvements, which are expected with the completion of this project, will be included in the new law on tourist boards, for which public discussion will be opened in the fall. The key lies in the fact that the system should be more practical and fundamental, and that it starts functioning even better and differently.

The mentioned campaign includes the organization of special presentations for those that bear the PPS sign for tour operators and travel agencies, organizing special study trips for journalists and agents to PPS destinations, special PPS advertising campaigns (PR, offline and online marketing), and other marketing/ market activities of the CNTB. There are six products the project is focused on and on which the CNTB's internet subpages will be oriented: culture, wine and gastronomy, bicycling, business trips, wellness and health, active vacations.

Photo: Zvonimir Tanocki (archive: CNTB)

Photo: Ivo Pervan (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Robert Kunštek

one of a kind worldwide, the completion of an IT system for signing guests in and out, the Strategic Marketing Plan for Croatian Tourism, which we expect will soon be approved, and finally the Work Plan for 2015. In early September we also published the Public Tender for entities in the public and private sector to propose promotional campaigns and/or promotional/sales channels for advertising Croatian tourism in 2015. There are many activities, and a positive atmosphere, serious approach to work, high level of excellence in task completion, and focus on the goals, as well as good internal communication, are all key for fulfillment.

Photos: the old city center of Rovinj at dusk (top); the diversity and wealth of folk costumes and customs is present in all corners of Croatia (middle); a view of the old castle in Donji Miholjac (right).

The implementation of the PPS concept is foreseen in several stages, with the initial application in the 2014 postseason, with full application in 2015. As far as the post-season is concerned, the forecasts are good, and so far indicators have shown that it will be as strong, if not better, than last year's post-season.

Preparations for tourism in 2015 have intensified. Will anything change in the promotional and marketing strategy of Croatian tourism next year or the following years, and if yes, how so?

What will the rebranding of Croatia as a destination look like?

The new role of the CNTB, especially the Head Office is clearly visible in the Croatian Tourism Development Strategy, as well as the Strategic Marketing Plan of Croatian Tourism (SMPHT), for which extensive research was conducted last year for their creation. The Head Office is slowly being transformed into the national tourism promotional agency October / November 2014

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RATOMIR IVIČIĆ

Photo: Aleksandar Gospić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Ivan Čorić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Stipe Surać (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Ivan Čorić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Interview

Photos: Croatia is a popular sailing destination (top left); walking along the bridge in Zadar (top right); Zavratnica, one of the most beautiful coves of the Croatian coast (bottom left); Croatia offers many opportunities for active and adventurous vacation (bottom right).

There are six products the "Croatia 365" project will be aimed at: culture, wine and gastronomy, bicycling, business trips, wellness and health, active vacations.

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that, within its authority and range of work nurtures, creates, and implements the brand of Croatian tourism, especially in the area of communication activities.

Of course, that also includes a new visual and textual identity. We believe that "The Mediterranean as it once was" has filled its significant historical task.

After the adoption of the SMPHT guidelines, setting creative tasks, announcing public bids for the creation and selection of suitable creative communication solutions, and finally, the plan and budgeting of the implementation costs, and inclusion in daily life follow. We will be able to speak of the investment in this project more realistically in late October or early November. Here I would like to emphasize that it is an extremely sensitive process, both creatively and financially. In regards to the general situation, its impossible to predict the outcome. We're taking it step by step since the national tourism brand is at stake.

You expect a stronger promotion of Croatia on foreign markets from representative offices of the CNTB

abroad. What changes and twists can we expect from our emissive markets?

The management structure of our representative offices abroad has been refreshed with new work forces, new directors that take over their duties as of October 1. We have thereby set a new level of quality and dynamics and placed the focus of the planning in the realm of the accepted and announced strategic changes. I am of the opinion that the individual directors of our representative offices were used inadequately up until known, which will definitely change. If they would like to fulfill their roles and the trust given to them, they should simultaneously also be analysts, reporters, strategists, communicators, and finally partners in generating new jobs for the domestic travel industry. Of course, in the future, I also expect ambitious, responsible, systematic, proactive, and structured management of relations with key parts and segments of the tourism, mostly, emissive industry, as well as the promotion of Croatia and its capacity for tourists on the foreign markets where they work.

Croatia is trying more and more to position itself as the ideal weekend destination all year long, especially for tourists from nearby markets. What would you recommend to our readers - why should they come to Croatia for the weekend, and what should they see over the weekend in the coastal and in the continental region of Croatia?

Yes, the new "Croatia 365" project is trying to position Croatia as a country that offers special, authentic, and attractive tourist products at times other than during the main tourist season. As a year-long destination, Croatia truly has a lot to offer. The vicinity of our emissive markets allows for a weekend visit to Croatia and enjoying its many advantages, and the six key products, on which the post-season offer is based and built upon, are definitely more than attractive and interesting. Regardless of whether the guest chooses the coastal or the continental region, they will enjoy themselves and rest their body and soul. Croatia is an incredible anti-stress destination and wherever you go, you're sure to enjoy yourself.

Photo: Robert Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek

Also, six models of "shared advertising" bring changes to individual markets, which is also market inevitability. Bearing in mind the final goals of the SMPHT, the emissive markets are grouped according to importance and priority, which will finally define the optimal, but also selective formula of online and offline media investment for every market and every year individually.

The challenges brought on by new trends in tourism, which are changing dynamically, demand innovative, but also tangible effective solutions. Some new markets are coming, some of which have extremely great potential. We certainly won't neglect our traditionally strongest emissive markets and communication methods we have used thus far, especially where they have functioned well and had a tangible effect.

We are aware of the fact that Croatia is still primarily a destination for family vacations, along with the fact that we attract elderly guests, especially from distant destinations, who prefer classic advertising. Due to that we have to be completely cautious and sensitive because even the smallest earthquake can lead to significant undesired consequences.

Along with your many duties at the head of the CTNB, do you have time to travel for pleasure? Where do you like to relax?

You know, I'm a self-proclaimed workaholic! Of course that does not mean that, despite the fact that I love my job and the professional challenge being put towards me, I'm in the office all day long. My family and children live in Zagreb, I have a dog, I love to read, walk... and travel! There is always time, organization is key. Croatia is the country where I prefer to relax, nothing can replace the beauty of our country, and I am extremely proud of it. I prefer to relax in my hometown, but I also love Dalmatia, the islands, Kvarner, I enjoy Slavonian cuisine, the castles in Central Croatia, autumn in Baranja or Lika, our national parks and nature parks. There's nothing better than Croatia! 

Photos: the Trakošćan castle is definitely one of the pearls of continental Croatia (top); Šibenik's cathedral is doubtlessly the greatest attraction in Šibenik (bottom).

The aim of the new project is to position Croatia as a country that also offers special, authentic and attractive tourist projects outside the main travel season.

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Beauties of Croatia

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SKRADIN

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Skradin

October / November 2014

n ) Ä?a Ka n ard ris tia Bo Bo oa ist o: Cr ur o t e : To Ph urc al n o (s atio N

The picturesque Dalmatian town of Skradin is located in the Ĺ ibenikKnin County, at the entrance to Krka National Park, where salty sea water and fresh river water mix.

It is more than six thousand years old, and especially charming due to its narrow old city streets and vaults, numerous passageways and Venetian-style houses. Skradin is also a famous gourmet destination and there you will find many superb restaurants and taverns where you can try diverse authentic specialties. Since the high-quality and well-positioned marina is open all year long, the town is a favorite nautical destination.

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Experience Croatia

IVANIĆ-GRAD AND DUGO SELO

Autumn in the 'green ring' Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Zagreb County Tourist Board, Ivanić-Grad Tourist Board and Dugo Selo Tourist Board

Greenery, peace and quiet, many possibilities for an active vacation, numerous excursion grounds, plenty of events, domestic food, and superb wine... the Zagreb Country truly has all you need to escape from the rush of daily life. This time, of all the cities of this "green ring" that surround the Croatian metropolis, we present Ivanić-Grad and Dugo Selo.

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I

n the western part of Moslavina, along the Lonja River, you will find Ivanić-Grad, formerly a trading post, which was granted the status of a city by Emperor Franz Joseph. Although it can boast valuable examples of its cultural heritage such as the church of St. Peter the Apostol, City Hall, and čardaks (traditional wooden houses), today, Ivanić-Grad is recognizable for the many options for an active vacation.

Here you can enjoy long walks or riding a bicycle through the Marča and Žutica forests, where you will likely come across mushroom pickers and those searching for other forest fruits. Hunters and fishermen also love this region, as well as fans of traditional food and wine, who regularly occupy the farms of this region. Ivanić-Grad is also widely famous for health tourism, which it has been successfully developing for years with a special hospital for medical rehabilitation "Naftalan".

Everyone to the Pumpkin Festival The thing that attracts many to this city are its various festivals: the Craft Fair, Folklore Festival, Žaba Carnival, Pool Film Festival, Martinje, Old Timer Rally, Christmas fair... Still the "queen" of them all is the Pumpkin Festival, by far the most joyous and best-visited traditional autumn tourist-gastronomy events of this city, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Everything started with a fair for pumpkins, pumpkin products and other eco-ethno products and an event where they showed how to make traditional pumpkin strudel, and over the course of the years, all the city restaurateurs joined the event and started preparing various creative menus with this delicious ingredient over the course of the event. The pampered taste buds of the ever-growing number of visitors caused the Pumpkin Festival to grow into a large gourmet festival over the course of the years, currently with a total of more than 150 exhibitors from all over Croatia participating. The exhibition-sales fair with pumpkins, pumpkin products, and other eco-ethno products is held during the event at several locations in the city center, and a special "Pumpkin Express" tourist train is organized for visitors from Zagreb.

tip: Don't miss out on the 10th Pumpkin Festival on October 18 and 19 in Ivanić-Grad, try pumpkin dishes and irresistible desserts made from this "Autumn Queen".

Photos: during the Pumpkin Festival, pumpkins become the main yard decorations next to čardaks (top); at the Pumpkin Festival, an exhibition-sales fair of pumpkins and other eco-ethno products is held at several locations throughout the city (middle); the Pumpkin festival (bottom).

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Experience Croatia

IVANIĆ-GRAD AND DUGO SELO

To the city of St. Martin and the Templars

Photos: cyclists in front of the old church on Martin breg in Dugo Selo (top left); St. Martin's (right); a grape harvest in the vineyards of Dugo Selo (bottom).

tip: Come to Dugo Selo for St. Martin's Day on November 10, and participate in the traditional blessing of must.

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Here you will be awaited by various entertainment options, for visitors of all ages: a ride in a pumpkin coach and pumpkin train, an eco-playground with pumpkins for children, play groups and pumpkin workshops for the youngest, theater performances, exhibitions, concerts, visits to traditional čardaks and a depiction of folk customs.

Historical people from Ivanić-Grad promenading in costume, a pumpkin cake exhibition and gastro tent are just part of the experience that awaits you here.

At the Pumpkin Festival, the Pumpkin Oil Days are also held, with educational content, and it is an opportunity to try pumpkin oil produced by producers from all over Croatia. During the festival, the windows and yards of the hosts are decorated with pumpkins, and there are also competitions at the Pumpkin Festival for the largest, smallest, and most original pumpkin, the best decorated booth, the best salty and sweet pumpkin strudel, and other pumpkin dishes.

About 25 kilometers away, in Dugo Selo, you will be awaited by yet another interesting story from Zagreb's ring. It's the story of St. Martin, the protector saint of the city, and the Templars, who were given this "land of St. Martin" way back in 1209. Have we intrigued you?

This city was marked by the footstep of St. Martin, which is granted to the cities with Martin heritage, and as such has become part of the European cultural itinerary, but also the center for expanding the route throughout Croatia.

Take the time to tour the ruins of the old church on Martin breg, take of whiff of Dugo Selo's rose "Cappa Sancti Martini" ("Saint Martin's Cloak") and visit at least one of the famous wine festivals of this city: The Feast of St. Vincent on Martin breg or the Feast of St. Martin, with the traditional blessing of must.

At the Dugo Selo Autumn Festival, which will be held in this city until November 11, 2014 and includes many events, the traditional blessing of must will be held on November 10 at 8:00 PM. This tradition, next to the old church on Martin breg, the city lodge and vineyard will be brought to you by KUD "Preporod". After this ceremony, head down to the center of the city, where famous musicians will ensure a good atmosphere, and the following day, November 11, be at the city's birthday party. With many sports, cultural, and entertaining events, good times are guaranteed.

Besides wine festivals, the city is famous for other events as well: Angel's Festival, Flower Fair, Advent celebration, Easter egg decorating in Count Drašković's park, at the former estate of this noble family. The tower and well are the only preserved remnants of their castle, and the park is graced by a giant sequoia.

Make sure to have your picture taken next to the unique representative of the largest and oldest living organism in the world. 

Explore Zagreb County SSOCIA TA T IS

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DOMESTIC DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2014/2015

TOU R

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

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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 October / November 2014

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Beauties of Croatia

ISTRIA

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PH

ot o a OT rch On ive et : .h r

Through the streets of Labin...

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The narrow stone streets of the Istrian town have a special charm, and are equally loved by tourists, photographers, artists, and passersby. One of the many is this street in the old town center of Labin, a town located on a hill in the eastern part of Istria, which will likely inspire you to take out your camera and eternalize its picturesque quality. Or at least the beauty of the colorful palaces you will pass by here.

Immerse yourself in the labyrinth of Istria's streets and listen to their story...

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Neuschwanstein castle in the winter

Photo: BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH

PROMO

Ruhpolding in the autumn

Tourism in Bavaria and Croatia A round table with field work conducted

by Bavarian and Croatian experts on the tourism potential in the pre- and post-season will be held in Istria on October 23 and 24, 2014.

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ourism, as a branch of economics, is incredibly important for the Free State of Bavaria, as well as for the Republic of Croatia, and it has significant potential for growth through, amongst other things, the attraction of new target groups in the pre- and post-season.

For that reason, the branch office of the Free State of Bavaria in Croatia and the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, with the support of the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology, are organizing a round table in Istria on October 23 and 24, 2014 with field studies on the topic of using the potential of thematic tourist routes with the purpose of strengthening the tourism offer in the pre- and post-season.

The gathering will be an opportunity for the Bavarian and Croatian tourism experts to share experiences, and special emphasis will be put on the sustainable use of this potential in tourism.

The two-day program starts with a round table in the "Kempinski Hotel Adriatic", continued by a field study, and ends with a final gathering in the "Valamar Riviera Hotel". From Bavaria, representatives of the regional agencies for promoting Bavarian tourism and thematic tourist routes in Bavaria will attend the round table, along with tour operators whose offer includes Croatia. The Croatian participants expected to attend include representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Croatian National Tourist Board, and associations and companies from the tourism sector. ď ś

Tourism in Bavaria Bavaria is the leading travel destination in Germany, and with 20.4 percent of the total overnight stays in Germany, it takes first place amongst the federal states. Tourism is one of the key elements of the Bavarian economy, with a gross annual revenue of 31 billion euro. In 2013, a record-breaking total of 31.6 million arrivals and more than 84 million overnight stays were recorded.

For more information: The German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Karin Cikron, tel: +385 1 6311600, e-mail: karin.cikron@ahk.hr, www.ahk.hr October / November 2014

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Experience Croatia

NOVIGRAD - CITTANOVA Photo: Novigrad's paths are a favorite amongst cyclists.

Cycling and gourmet trips through Novigrad Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Novigrad - Cittanova Tourist Board

Cyclists and recreationalists love it for its many bike trails, paths, and irresistible landscapes, gourmets love it for its delicious gastronomic delicacies and gourmet festivals, and some love it for its charming medieval city center, which often "hides" interesting exhibitions and various cultural events within its strong walls. Add Novigrad - Cittanova, a town on the western coast of Istria, to your agenda this year...

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egardless of whether you are more attracted to cycling in the mountains or on the road, whether you ride professionally or purely for recreation, you will feel at home in Novigrad and its tourist region, which includes the cities of Umag, Buje, and Brtonigla. Here you will find 19 cleared and marked bike trails, near to which you will also find specialized bike hotels that combine sports nutrition and spa facilities, but also bike repair workshops and bike shops. The staff will gladly inform you of the existing routes, the possibility of hiring a cycling guide, service packages, and other services, to suit all cyclists.

Recreational bike race This part of Istria, led by Novigrad, is also famous for its many cycling events, so, for example, every year, there are about 15 professional and recreational competitions. One of them is Istria Granfondo, a large autumn marathon with its start and finish lines in the coastal Istrian cities of Umag and Novigrad. Granfondo is an ever more popular form of road cycling events, and it entails the spontaneous riding of a large number of participants, from competitors in excellent form to families, and leisurely recreational riders. This year, this international marathon will be held October 4 and 5, 2014, and it offers the participants several various routes.

Istria Granfondo Family & Gourmet Tour, a recreational bike tour aimed at families with children over the age of 10, but also all cycling fans, is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, starting at 10 AM on Novigrad's Porporela waterfront. The tour goes through Novigrad and its surroundings, along the coast, through olive groves and vineyards, for about thirty kilometers.

Along with its unforgettable views, this bike tour will also offer many flavors because gourmet taste tests will be organized at the refreshment stops during the tour. It will be a chance to try authentic Istrian products. However, Istria Granfondo is more than a chance for an exciting bike tour, it is also an opportunity to discover Novigrad, a

Mediterranean gem, which over the past few years has been listed on the routes of world travelers as a favorite cycling destination.

From sole to squid After you have toured Novigrad and its surroundings on bike, head out on its gourmet tour and experience it through many flavors and aromas. In spring, Novigrad's chefs will surprise you with wild asparagus, in summer, they will offer you with seafood, and in the autumn, they will reach for truffles.

In the winter, the lively taverns will be filled with the aroma of minestrone, cabbage, and roasted sausages. You will always be able to find domestic Istrian dishes here, and you will most likely come across one of its many gourmet festivals. If you come in the autumn, seize the opportunity and try

Photos: the "Maestral" bike hotel (top left); a fisherman folding nets (top right); beaches and waterfront trails are a favorite amongst recreational athletes (middle and bottom left); sole is prepared in various ways in Novigrad's restaurants (bottom right).

tip: Try sole dishes and creative squid dishes in Novigrad's taverns and restaurants.

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Experience Croatia

NOVIGRAD - CITTANOVA

A unique exhibition

Photos: the Gallerion collection is regularly visited by the youngest visitors (top left and middle); medieval city walls (top right); the Lapidarium museum (bottom left); squid is prepared in Novigrad's restaurants in various ways (bottom right).

Squid can be prepared spicy, with vinegar, chili peppers, and aromatic herbs, or mild, with a few drops of lemon and a few chives. Squid is especially valued if they are caught with a special hook, called peškafondo, instead of nets.

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its vast offer of dishes made of sole.

This fantastic white fish, locally called "švoj", even has its own festival "Sole Fish Days". This year, they will be held from October 20 to November 30, but you won't see them as an outdoor festival, with music and a lot of guests.

They are held in the restaurants and taverns of Umag, Novigrad, Buje, and Brtonigla, which offer creative menus with at least four courses based on sole, accompanied by superb wines and domestic olive oil.

The "Days of Adriatic Squid", which will be held in the taverns and restaurants of Novigrad from December 1, 2014 to January 6, 2015, are equally delicious. It will be a chance to try squid dishes accompanied by superb local wines and olive oils at affordable prices. Besides being a reason to visit Novigrad during the Christmas and New Year holidays, this event is also a chance for the hosts to show the prime Adriatic squid, which is caught in the winter period.

The "cultural" walk through Novigrad will definitely thrill you. The old center of this city is located on a small island that was connected to the mainland in the 18th century, and the preserved medieval city walls attract the attention of every visitor. The influence of various cultures, from Byzantine, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austro-Hungarian, to Italian, can be seen if you take a close look at the architecture of this touristic city, which got its first travel guide back in 1845.

Visit the parish church of St. Mary, St. Maxim, and St. Pelagius, and in nearby Dajl, have a look at the impressive country villa, located on an estate that dates back to Roman times.

Until the end of November 2014, you can see the exhibition "The First World War on the Adriatic", presented for the first time at the Gallerion collection. At the exhibition, you will be able to see, along with many photos and authentic weapons, 500 authentic model ships, a submarine, and an airplane that will give you a sense of what the war-time military-navy operations on the Adriatic Sea looked like.

Duck into Lapidarium, "a museum for a new age", which excellently brought together modern and urban with history.

Don't miss out on the museum's gift shop "LINK" in the very center of the old town, where you can get various souvenirs, items signed by Novigrad's artists, authentic wine and food products made by local producers, etc.

Let Novigrad win you over again with its flavors and aromas, irresistible landscapes and interesting events. 

Web: Email

...in all the colours of Istria

Web: www.novigrad-cittanova.hr www.coloursofistria.com Web: www.novigrad-cittanova.hr Email: info@novigrad-cittanova.hr info@novigrad-cittanova.hr e-mail: Email: Telefon: 052 757 075 tel: +385 052 (0)52757 757075 Telefon: 075

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Interesting features

CRIKVENICA

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Interesting features of the Kaštel Hotel The stone statue of St. John of Nepomuk from 1735 is just one of the interesting features that awaits you in the surroundings of the Kaštel Hotel in Crikvenica. If you look a little closer, at the entrance to the hotel reception, you will also see a replica of the crest of the Frankopans, an old noble Croatian family. While there, make sure to take a walk down the path from the hotel to the church, which will tell you the story of the life of the famous painter and miniaturist, Julije Klović, who they called the "Michelangelo of miniatures".

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PROMO

Jadran Crikvenica Hotels

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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 October / November 2014

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Events

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

The best of autumn Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Krapina-zagorje County Tourist Board

Aromatic, tasty, musical, in various colors, and slightly quirky... That's autumn in Croatian Zagorje. It is a time when the people of this area gather the succulent fruits of nature, often in the company of the ever-growing number of visitors, after which they turn their harvest into delicious and creative creations that will take you on an unforgettable gourmet journey through this fairytale region in northwestern Croatia.

Photo: an autumn harvest decoration (top).

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he people of Zagorje were always known for preserving their rich cultural heritage and traditional customs, and they will gladly show them to you whenever you come to their region. In order to bring the diversity closer to you, they organize various events throughout the entire year, especially in the autumn months. Here we single out a few of them that you shouldn’t miss out on...

Flavor time machine October starts off with A Thanks to Autumn in Klanjec, a traditional event in this picturesque town, where from October 3 to 5, you will be able to get to know more about the old crafts of this region, the costumes they used to wear, music, and folklore customs. You will also have the chance to try culinary delicacies, prepared according to recipes

Photo: Branko Bručić (archive of Krapina-zagorje County Tourist Board)

from the centuries past, or at least travel back in time to the Middle Ages for a bit, to the time of knight's duels, plays, court dances, and entertainers. Similar, yet different is the "Saturday in the Ethno Village" on October 3, in the "Old Village" museum in Kumrovec. This kind of time machine will take you back in time in the life of the people of Zagorje at the turn of the 20th century, and the sound of traditional instruments, music and dance, and a depiction of traditional crafts are just part of what awaits you here. If you have always wondered how they make, for example, combs, and jewelry from horns, this is the right time to come and try it out for yourself.

The following weekend, on October 11 and 12, Donja Stubica will be full of the aromas of delicious fruit. A county exhibition, "Zagorje, Orchard of the Ancient Varieties of Fruit" and the Days of Ancient Varieties of Fruit and Canned Goods will be held then in the Stubički Golubovec castle. At this organic and business-tourism exhibition, you will be able to try old, but not forgotten sorts of fruits from the Zagorje region and get various types of canned good from those tasty fruits. Who knows, maybe you will become so enraptured by one of the sorts that you decide to purchase a seedling and plant it in your garden.

On the same weekend, on October 12, at Lojzekov izvor and Jura Stubičanac Park in Donja Stubica, another tasty event, Gubec's Chestnut Fest will be held. Fans of this delicious autumn fruit will have the chance to hunt for and pick chestnuts, roast them, and enjoy their flavor. There will also be chestnut desserts and must wine, and everything will be "spiced up" with an entertaining program.

Under the spoon of Zagorje's chefs Another weekend will be dedicated to the autumn harvest and most popular fruit the following weekend, from October 17 to 19. It will be held at the Veliki Tabor castle in Desinić, and apples will play the main role. At the Apple Days, you will get to know more about old sorts of apples and other fruits, and try and buy various fruit products: cakes, apple cider vinegar, fruit brandies, marmalades, etc. The hosts will prepare an old traditional dish especially for this occasion jabučjak.

Mushrooms have always had an important place in Zagorje's autumn harvest palette. Here the hosts find and pick them in clean and aromatic forests, and various types of this valuable

Photos: Zagorje's hills are especially colorful in the autumn months (top left); tasty delicacies from Zagorje can be tried at one of the many autumn festivals in that region (top and bottom right).

tip: Ancient sorts of fruit from Zagorje can be tasted, but also bought on October 11 and 12 in Donja Stubica.

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CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photo: Domagoj Sever (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Martin Turk

Events

Photos: chestnuts and mushrooms are autumn harvests that have their own festivals in Croatian Zagorje (top left, bottom left and right); štrukli are an unavoidable delicacy in this region (top right).

tip: You can visit "Mushroom Picking in Stubaki", on October 18, with a special "mushroom train" that will be leaving from Zagreb.

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ingredient can regularly be found in their baskets.

They will gladly teach you about them and prepare them in delicious ways on Saturday, October 18 in Stubičke Toplice, when on the parking lot in Pila, on Sljemenska road, the traditional "Mushroom Picking in Stubaki" will be held. If you plan on visiting the festival from Zagreb, board the "mushroom train", specially organized for visitors of this festival.

If all that wasn't enough to totally spoil your taste buds, then visit Terme Tuhelj on October 29, where "'Chtef' Zagorje Chef" will be held. At this competitive culinary event, dishes made of authentic ingredients from Zagorje will be prepared in an innovative and creative way by Zagorje's chefs. The event will gather other gourmet brands from Zagorje including Grandma's cookies, the unavoidable štrukli, Zagorje

turkey, locust honey, and high-quality wines that make this region one of the top culinary regions in Croatia.

As far as the offer of wine is concerned, Zagorje has a lot to offer. November is the month traditionally devoted to wines and wine stories, which are never lacking on the hills of Zagorje.

Although St. Martin's day is celebrated all month long in all the cottages and winemaking hills of this region, it is especially celebrated on St. Martin's feast day, on November 11, in Zagorska sela, near the Church of St. Martin in Bojačno. The traditional ceremony of blessing the wine, which symbolically turns must into young wine, will be held on the idyllic hills of Zagorje, surrounded by vineyards, and old cottages. Let this, one of the oldest customs in Zagorje, be just another bit of motivation for you to come and visit the magical autumn in Zagorje. 

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

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UNESCO

LACEMAKING IN CROATIA

The beauty and magic

of Lepoglava lace Prepared by: Sanja PljeĹĄa â—† Photos: archive of Lepoglava Tourist Board

The tradition of Lepoglava lace dates far back into the past, and today it is possible to find pieces of it on various clothing items as stylized accessories.

Photo: a lace tent made by Japanese artist Akiko Sato (top).

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A

fter presenting Croatia's tangible heritage protected

by UNESCO, starting with this issue, we will continue to present Croatia's rich intangible heritage also protected by this great global organization. One of the representatives of intangible heritage is Lepoglava lace, which has a tradition that dates far back into the past, and today it is possible to find pieces of it on various clothing items as stylized accessories. Lepoglava lace has been on UNESCO's list of

intangible cultural heritage since 2009. But how did it all start?

Multiple award-winning lace This amazing lace, beautiful and magical, for which it is believed that it was brought to Croatia by the Paulites, is a specialty of Lepoglava and its surroundings. The lacemaking art was slowly accepted amongst the village population in Croatian Zagorje, and in time, it became a tradition that was

never completely broken. Lepoglava lace experienced its true boom in the late 19th and early 20th century, thanks to Zlata pl. Ĺ ufflay who enriched the lace with folk decorations, and later Danica Broessler, who added baroque elements to Lepoglava lace, and gave it the shape it has today. In 1937, Lepoglava lace received a gold medal in Paris, and two years later a bronze medal in Berlin. It was also the time of the greatest boom of Lepoglava lacemaking. After a short break in lacemaking due to the war, in the new era, once again it is starting to be

At the 18th international Lepoglava Lace Festival 2014, held in Lepoglava in September, which had the topic of "Lace and Jewelry", the chosen exhibits included items with lace from Zagreb's Arts and Crafts Museum. A total of 40 examples of fashion accessories made of lace in the 19th century, which used to belong to famous Zagrebians, were shown.

planned, organized, and offered as a unique, original Croatian product on the domestic and foreign market.

Motivation definitely comes in the form of the international lacemaking festival, which has been held since 1997 with regular scientific congresses, and the publication of collections of works from Croatian and European lacemaking centers.

In 2009, Lepoglava lace won the Gold lace award in Estonia, and at a lacemaking festival in Russia in 2011, it won first prize. The special feature of the lace lies in the method of its creation, since it is bobbin lace. Such lace is made with the help of a round hard pillow and an even number of wooden bobbins, which are colloquially called "dedek and batek". Over the drawn pattern, the lace is intertwined in such a way that the contours of individual motifs are accentuated in relief, and the surface is always created in a combination of dense and sparse weaving. The materials used include linen or cotton thread in white or beige. The most common motifs are straight lines, snails, tulips, roses, ivy, acorns, grapevines, clover, lions, butterflies, birds, eagles... ď ś

Photos: lace makers make lace in various motifs (left); a lace angel (right).

Eleven years ago, upon initiative from the City of Lepoglava, and with the aim of preserving the unique form of lacemaking, the Lepoglava Lace Association was established to renew the tradition of making that form of lace. An educational "Lepoglava Lace" program was created for young lace makers, which lasts 6 months.

Today, certain elements of Lepoglava lace are used as fashion details, for example, on collars and blouses.

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Croatia through philately

KAŽUN

Presenting postage stamps

poljarica, trim... Similar buildings can also be found in southern Switzerland, on Iceland, and in Scandinavia, Scotland, England, and Ireland.

Several thousand in Istria

Kažun Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

While touring Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula, along with many other places up and down the Croatian coast, but also the Mediterranean, you will come across 'kažuns'. The dry stone buildings are usually round, and served as shelter from bad weather as well as being temporary storage for tools or harvests on distant fields, and now they are a favorite landscape for photographers. tip: Philatelists in Croatia can get the souvenir sheet in Croatian Post's postal offices.

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

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he culture of building roundhouses throughout the Mediterranean dates back to prehistoric times, and besides Croatia, you will also find them on Malta, in Italy, the south of France, Catalonia, and Slovenia, where they call them "hiška". In Croatian, most are in Istria, in its south and western region, and you will also come across them in Dalmatia, where they call them various names: bunja, trijem,

Today, there are several thousand kažuns in Istria, most of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th century, located in fields. Laymen constructors, while forming arable land in karst regions, removed stone, which they then used to fence in the fields or to construct dry stone walls and shelter. Although they can also be square-shaped, most Istrian kažuns have a round floor plan, and their interior diameter varies from 120 to 300 cm. Inside, they usually have large boulders for seating, and some have small windows through which crops and cattle could be watched. Many have hidden niches in the walls to store tools or food.

Larger kažuns, with a diameter and height of more than four meters, often had a fire pit and an opening for smoke to escape. During seasonal work on the fields, entire families stayed there, and sometimes cattle was kept in some as well.

The "Kažun" souvenir sheet consists of two stamps, one that shows a kažun near Pazin in Istria (Croatia), and the other is a hiška near Kopriva na Krasu (Slovenia). The background of the sheet shows a detail of a stone wall. The author of the kažun photograph is Damir Fabijanić, and the hiška photograph is Tom Jeseniček, while the souvenir sheet was created by Jasna Bolanča Popović, a designer from Zagreb.

A first day cover (FDC) was also issued, and the sheet was printed September 25, 2009, in cooperation between the Croatian Post and Slovenian Post. 

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

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Croatia

ONLINE websites and mobile applications

Explore Croatia all year long Regardless of what time of year you plan on heading out to explore Croatian destinations, before leaving get ready with the help of useful and informative websites, portals, and applications.

WEB&APP Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

croatia365.eu

If you plan on visiting Croatia in the pre- and post-season, the croatia365.eu subsite run by the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) is the right place for you.

The subsite is located within the framework of the CNTB's existing croatia.hr website, and there you can find information on 22 destinations that offer tourist products, with emphasis on culture, biking, active holidays, wellness and health, business trips, and wine and gastronomy.

Each of the products has its own subsite with a presentations of destinations that offer that certain product. The subsite content is currently available in seven languages: Croatian, English, German, Italian, French, Slovenian, and Polish. www.croatia365.eu

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Split Guide

All the best of Split, its cultural sites and attractions, beaches, possibilities for an active vacation, shopping, and local excursions, accommodations, restaurants and cafés, etc. will be revealed to you via the free mobile application for iOS and Android devices, Split Guide. All areas of interest are illustrated with a large collection of photos, and application allows you to search for interesting sites nearby. The application is available in English, and along with everything else mentioned, it also contains a lot of service info, as well as plenty of other useful information that will help you explore Diocletian's city.

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Croatia Tickets - a new website adapted to your needs Along with searching Croatia's travel offer, the new www.croatia-tickets.com website offers the possibility of buying tickets in just a few clicks of the mouse.

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f you've been enchanted by the beauty of Croatia and the Adriatic, and plan on visiting Croatia next year as well, the new travel website www.croatia-tickets.com will be of great help. It is a modern online service for selling tickets for tourist content in Croatia, while also promoting its rich tradition and heritage, natural beauty and interesting events, developed by the "Slobodna Dalmacija" daily paper.

Whether you are already in your favorite destination or just planning your trip to Croatia, find out everything you can see or do during your vacation with a

click of the mouse. Buy tickets for your favorite event, excursion and attraction online, and not only will you avoid the rush and pointless waiting in lines, but you will also plan your holiday well.

Besides buying tickets via computer and mobile device, soon you will be able to buy them at Croatia Tickets stands, which will be set up at the ten most frequented locations in Croatia: five at gas stations on the highway from Zagreb to Split, and the other five in the cities of Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Adapt your trip to your needs and desires, visit the

www.croatia-tickets.com website, which is available in English, and enjoy every moment of your vacation! www.croatia-tickets.com

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Gourmet Croatia

KASTAV

Photos: Nenad Kukurin successfully keeps his family's restaurateur tradition alive (top left), and always surprises his guests with creative dishes made of fresh ingredients (middle and right).

Kastav style slow food

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Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: archive of Gourmet restaurant and boutique hotel "Kukuriku"

esides being abundant with cultural and tourist points of interest, the Kvarner region is also interesting for its gastronomy. The coastal cuisine there is mostly based on fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other seafood, although the restaurants of Kvarner also offer various meat specialties. Extra attention is given to lamb. Throughout history, Italian gastronomy has greatly influenced the gastronomy of Kvarner, so dishes based on various

types of pasta can be found in the restaurants of Kvarner.

A modern approach to dishes Coastal cuisine often uses olive oil and various herbs, such as bay leaf and rosemary, which are often added to the famous specialty: roasted octopus or octopus under the bell. Besides those types of mollusks, other dishes under the bell are also delicious, such as, for example, veal with potatoes, or various

Italian gastronomy has greatly influenced the gastronomy of Kvarner, so dishes based on various types of pasta can be found in the restaurants of Kvarner.

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kinds of meat, or bread. Excellent food goes well with good wine, such as Malvazija, which is characteristic for this region.

In the Kvarner region, you will also come across Kastav, a historical town located on a hill above Opatija and Rijeka. Besides being known for its many cultural-tourist events, it is also known for its superb gastronomy for which, Nenad Kukurin, owner of the "Kukuriku" restaurant and hotel is responsible, among others. Today, this restaurateur, whose family has been in food services for more than a hundred years, is developing a slow food concept, which includes small portions over several courses, based on fresh ingredients. He approaches the dishes in a unique and modern way, often paired with Croatian, mostly local Istrian, wines.

Fresh ingredients "We base the dishes exclusively on fresh, seasonal ingredients from our region, or the surrounding regions.

We get them at the marketplace or from small-scaled producers who have their own family-run farms. I get ideas

for some dishes while I'm out buying ingredients, but also thanks to my many years of experience, and by following global gastronomy trends," says this famous restaurateur from Kastav. He also notes that emphasis when coming up with new dishes is placed on superb ingredients, which the chefs try to change as little as possible during preparation. Although some dishes are based on old recipes, he says it's important not to lose their authenticity and recognition factor since today's guests want "true and original flavors".

So today, polenta, kale, sour turnips, and sour cabbage are made according to old recipes, but in modern versions of the dishes. Those ingredients also define the city of Kastav and its culture, which has a relatively poor gastronomical history. Gastronomy in this region is based on coastal cuisine, and the dishes the people of Kastav prepare at their homes are very similar to those prepared for example in Opatija or by the residents of the other neighboring towns. Such dishes still have an air of French and Austro-Hungarian cuisine, which also influenced the gastronomy of this region throughout history. ď ś

Photos: Prosciutto rolls filled with fresh cottage cheese, dried figs and hazelnuts on a bed of Samobor mustard and apple (top left); veal medallions gratinated with brie and a vegetable glaze (bottom left); crème anglaise with berries and white chocolate mousse (right).

tip: While in Kastav, try roasted octopus or octopus prepared under the bell, or if you prefer meat, veal with potatoes prepared under the bell is an excellent choice.

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CULTURAL SCENE

A hot musical autumn

I Prepared by: Vlatka Vužić

n the colder and darker days of autumn, exhibitions bring color into our lives, theater performers "force" us to leave our favorite armchair for the theater, at least for the premiere, and concerts are here to warm us up. Some warm our souls with their soft tones, and some entice us to warm up with their energetic performances. Find out below where we're taking you this autumn...

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

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"Vatra" in the Culture Factory

CULTURAL SCENE

TICKETS

"Vatroslav Lisinski" Concert Hall is giving away 1x2 tickets for Hari Rončević's concert, on October 4, at 8:00 PM.

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* One person can get a maximum of two tickets for one of the listed concerts or performances, so don't forget to mention which concert 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: from the video clip for the single "Saturn", directed by Filip Filković Philatz

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Hari Rončević and Klapa "Kampanel" in Zagreb On October 4, 2014, one of Croatia's most famous songwriters, Hari Rončević, will fill the "Vatroslav Lisinski" Concert Hall in Zagreb with romantic Mediterranean notes.

A string ensemble and the famous Croatian "Kampanel" Klapa will join him on stage.

"Vatra", currently Croatia's most popular rock band, will celebrate fifteen years of high volume with a concert at the Culture Factory in Zagreb.

Their nomination for this year's MTV Best Adria Act gives them even more reason to celebrate. The concert will be the peak of their celebratory tour, so they have invited everyone to the party, and birthday party invitations are not to be declined!

Dallas Records is giving away 1x2 tickets for the "Vatra" concert, on October 17, at 9:00 PM.

CULTURAL SCENE

Photo: Filip Dizdar, archive: Culture Factory (Tvornica kulture)

TICKETS

"Buđenje" in the Culture Factory

"Pavel" in the Culture Factory A year and a half after "Pavel's" successful concert, they are coming back to the same place, but with new songs.

The Culture Factory's large hall in Zagreb is the venue for the band's promotion of their third album. All their fans will definitely witness a true celebration of great music.

A band made up of skilled musicians and producers who have stood behind many pop-rock hits that they "made" for their colleagues on the music scene, and has been on the scene themselves for 13 years, with three published albums behind them. "Buđenje's" songs hold a high position on the top lists of radio stations, and they will perform them live for their loyal audience in the Culture Factory in Zagreb.

Hamar Media is giving away 1x2 tickets to the "Buđenje" concert on November 14, at 9:00 PM.

"Tulum" in Rijeka

Dallas Records is giving away 1x2 tickets to the "Pavel" concert, on October 31 at 9:00 PM.

Winners of the tickets from the 7th Issue: Quasarr and Punčke concert in Dubrovnik: Zorica Njirić, Dubrovnik ◆ Marko Tolja concert in Opatija: Ivana Prosinečki, Zagreb ◆ Gibonni concert in Opatija: Nevena Miljuš, Zagreb ◆ Špancirfest in Varaždin: Matija Grabar, Varaždin and Mirna Smojver, Zaprešić ◆ The Evening of Dalmatian Chansons in Šibenik: Robert Travčić, Šibenik ◆ Dubrovnik Summer Games: Stella Worman, Dubrovnik ◆ The Nightingales of Kamerlengo in Trogir: Sanela Ševo, Trogir ◆ "Shakespeare at the Kremlin" performance on Brijuni: Violeta Pavlović, Pula

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This year, a one-day event launched last year in Rijeka called "Tulum" will be held in the Mladost Hall and it will gather the most attractive names of the regional rok and hip-hop scene. The "S.A.R.S.", "Brkovi" and "Dječaci" bands will entertain the audience with live performances for a full five hours.

LAA - Los Angeles Agency is giving away 1x2 tickets to "Tulum", on November 14, at 8:00 PM.

Photo: PR of performer, ceded by LAA agency

Photo: Goran Berović, archive: Culture Factory (Tvornica kulture)

TICKETS

The winner of 1x2 tickets for Champagne in the Sky® in Split was: Sanja Šušak, Split

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Photo: Jasenko Rasol, archive: Gavella

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"Amadeus" in Gavella

The mythical relationship between two composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, is shown in a drama by Peter Shaffer, inspired by Pushkin's text "Mozart and Salieri". The playwright enriched the drama with Mozart's magical music, which will draw the audience in with premieres of "The Abduction from the Seraglio", "The Marriage of Figaro", "Don Giovanni", and "The Magic Flute".

Gavella Drama Theater is giving away 1x2 tickets for the "Amadeus" show, on October 29 at 7:30 PM.

INFO

Photo: archive of gallery "Gallerion"

"First World War on the Adriatic"

ULAZNIC

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In late Septermber Ivo Tijardović's operetta "Spli'ski akvarel", conducted by Krešimir Batinić and directed

by Richard Simonelli had its premiere in Zagreb's Komedija Theater. It is the fifth showing of this classic, set in Split on March 5, 1928 at this theater, which, along with "Mala Floramye" proudly bears the title of the most performed and most popular operetta in Croatia.

The Komedija Theater is giving away 1x2 tickets for the operetta "Spli'ski akvarel", for October 30, at 7:30 PM.

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Photo: archive of MSU, Zagreb

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"Spli’ski akvarel" in Zagreb's Komedija

The "Gallerion" Maritime collection, and the Croatian Army's Military Museum, in collaboration with a dozen domestic and foreign institutions, are marking the hundredth anniversary of the First World War, which falls this year, with an exhibition. Many documents, photographs, authentic weapons, and more than 350 model ships, submarines and airplanes, which clearly depict the nature of the military-navy operations on the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. The exhibition is open until November 2014.

INFO

Julije Knifer: No compromise

The first retrospective exhibition of Julije Knifer, an artist that marked the second half of the 20th century with his unconventional approach to painting medium was installed in the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) in Zagreb. Along with a selection of key works from the MSU's fund, the exhibit consists of works borrowed from many private and public Find out collections, including the most important collections, such more at: as the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, MAMCO in Geneva, etc. Some of the works have never been exhibited in Croatia before. The exhibition is opened until December 6, 2014.

Inte res

Photo archive: Lošinj Hotels & Villas

CROATIA

Source: CroatiaMeetings & Bizzabo.com

The Vitality Hotel Punta on the island of Lošinj is the first hotel in Croatia to receive the EuropeSpa certificate of international quality for therapeutic spas and wellness offers from the German organization of the same name with close ties to the European Spas Association (ESPA), as reported on August 22, 2014

by EuropeSpa, which conducted the certification.

EuropeSpa notes that the Vitality Hotel Punta is located on an excellent location next to the sea and that it offers many spa and wellness activities for health and vitality, based on Lošinj's medicinal herbs, which fulfils the strict standards for attaining this certificate with its quality and creativity. It is also the second large award for the hotel this year, after it received the ECARF international certificate for being an allergy friendly hotel by the nonprofit foundation of the same name (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) in late July. The certificate was awarded for, amongst other things, the fulfilment of special allergy-friendly standards in food preparation, designating pet-free zones, and introducing personal hygiene products for persons with sensitive skin.

Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Lošinj hotel received the EuropeSpa certificate

ting fact s

Ten types of people at conferences Whether you are organizing or participating at a conference and similar business events, you will come into contact with a larger or smaller number of people, some of which you will meet for the first time. Whether your relationship will continue after the initial introduction and first contact depends on several factors, but it is good to know what kinds of people you can meet at events. Each of them have their own goals and motives for attending the conference, just like you. It is good to know what to expect in advance: ten types of people you will certainly meet are presented by the Bizzabo portal on an interesting infographic.

Click on the link below and check it out. www.croatiameetings.com

Dubrovnik top destination for shooting films An ever-growing number of movie production houses are choosing Dubrovnik as the shooting location for their movies and shows, so the action fantasy thriller "DIG" by the USA Network was shot in Dubrovnik in late September. The shooting of the fifth season of HBO's most famous show "Game of Thrones", has also commenced.

Around 11 thousand interested extras from Croatia and the world signed up for this shoot, of which around two thousand were chosen, which is yet another bit of evidence of the popularity of the show, as well as the attractiveness of the location chosen for the film set of HBO's most popular show.

The shooting of the blockbuster "FAN" from the Bollywood studios has been announced for November with the second best paid actor in the world, the famous Shah Rukh Khan.

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CULTURAL SCENE CULTURAL SCENE 80

Elemental

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In the element with 'Elemental' Last year, Elemental celebrated its 15th anniversary with a regional tour. The band established in 1998 has been together in an expanded seven-person team for the last ten years. So far they have issued six albums and many excellently received singles.

Conducted by: Vlatka VuŞić and Mirela Priselac Remi Photos: Maja Bota (archive of Elemental)

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ou have been playing and travelling together as a sevenperson band for ten years.

What do your trips look like?

The band has travelled a lot together, and every time we have a great time.

We have covered all the countries of the Former Yugoslavia and played in some places I didn't even know existed until a performance was booked there. The guys drive in shifts, and allow me to get

away with it because I don't like to drive.

We also have a "silent agreement" about the seating arrangement in the van. I always "get stuck" behind the driver, next to the window, and rarely ever sleep, while the guys on the seat behind me have been known to fall asleep.

You often perform in cities regionwide. Do you have places you like to return to for the good food or drinks?

CULTURAL SCENE "U redu je" is Elemental's latest studio album, released in May 2013.

Definitely! The further south, the better the food! That's why we especially love Skopje. The people are in a good mood, the food is domestic, full of spices... As far as drinks are concerned, we love Dalmatia for the fine wine, and Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the homemade brandy.

You have played on fortresses, on roofs... Is there a location that you felt at home at?

Fortresses have a certain kind of magic, an energy that concert halls lack.

When we were on tour for the 15th anniversary of the band, we prepared for the sterility with our VJ crew who "painted" such halls in Elemental's colors with their visual show. Every year, several places we love to return to pop up. Often they are unexpected locations that the public, who we share a vibe with, makes special, and everything falls into place. There are no rules. I personally love to perform in Zagreb, Rijeka, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Maribor, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Podgorica, Skopje, Knin...

Of all the locations you filmed music videos at, which ones did you especially like? Did you recommend any to the producer? Where would you like to film music videos in the future?

We let the production crew choose the location because we respect their artistic vision. If we, as a band, have an idea of where and how, we try to fit it in with the wishes of the video crew.

For the "Bolji si" single video, the roof of a building near Kvaternik Square in Zagreb ended up being an excellent location, with a fantastic view of the building, and the sky was made for us that day. We got that "Simpsons" moment with the blue sky and clouds.

When I was cooperating on the Diversidad project, we filmed a music video in Paris, where I was driving a red Mustang from the 70s, and I loved that. I wouldn't have anything against filming our next music video in Berlin or Paris.

Do you all love to travel privately as well?

Yes, we all love to travel. I was thrilled with Berlin, and I plan on going back there, as well as to Barcelona. This

In 2009, Elemental received the "Porin" award for best album of urban and club music for the "Pod pritiskom" album.

autumn, I hope to escape to London for a short while. New York is still on my list of desired destinations, and regionally I always recommend Sarajevo.

Do you go out together on excursions and trips that don't include gigs?

Every time before we finish an album, we head over to our keyboarder's cottage near Tuhelj. We spend a few days there playing because it is impossible for us to go somewhere together and not play. During the day we barbeque, go swimming, and here and there take breaks to play and jam in the house. Those are get-togethers to remember. ď ś

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

October / November 2014

CULTURAL SCENE

tip: Would you like to win Elemental's "U redu je" album? Write us why and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com

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Health tourism

THERAPEUTIC WATER

Hot springs and therapeutic water Written by: Andreja Milas (www.relaxino.com)

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

Photo: fotolia

All thermal water is different and each kind has its special characteristics and recommendation for focused, or best efficacy.

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Photo archive: Ĺ marjeĹĄke Toplice, Terme Krka, Slovenia

Photo archive: Sava Hotels & Resorts, Slovenia

O

ur ancestors knew how to enjoy spring water. Hot springs have been used as therapy since ancient times, and ancient Greeks and Romans used thermal water for healing various skin conditions.

A hot spring is, actually, a spring of hot, therapeutic water, often enriched with minerals, which makes it soothing for the body. Thermal water is used in health tourism, while in some areas, where it is bountiful, it's also used for heating health and tourist facilities.

Popular on Iceland Today, geothermal energy is mostly used on Iceland, where people regularly bathe in hot springs despite the cold climate, and even use it to heat sidewalks in their cold region.

Thermal water is mostly used in health tourism, where it is used in physical therapy in a controlled manner, with the aim of preserving

and improving health. It can be spring water, flowing, and its warmth enables bathing or just relaxing and is ideal for calming the body and spirit. The water temperature is at about 33 degrees Celsius, and it can contain sulfur, salt, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or strontium.

Most pools with thermal water are located in beautiful natural and peaceful surroundings, which adds to the total positive effect. Keep in mind that bathing in thermal water is recommended for up to a maximum of 30 minutes, and even shorter for those with heart conditions.

Special characteristics All thermal water is different and has special characteristics and recommendations for focused, or best efficacy. For example, black thermal water smells of oil, and pleasantly affects the body, encourages circulation, and reduced nerve tension. Some thermal water can

be drunk from the spring, and that water is rich in carbon dioxide (CO2), which affects the body, especially the heart and cardiovascular system, and helps people relax. Thermal water rich in magnesium eases digestive system conditions and heartburn, and helps aid weight loss. Some types of thermal water help with gynecological conditions and are one of the great natural aides in healing infertility, urological conditions, increased blood pressure, heart and pulmonary conditions, and diabetes.

Which spa you will choose, and what health care programs have been created depend on the content of the thermal water. The programs can be preventive, therapeutic, designed for athletes and for people after operations and serious illnesses. One of the most popular are the weightloss programs, with the consumption of thermal water. Regardless of what you choose, it is best to consult a doctor who is educated in the effects of thermal water. ď ś

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We present

EKSPEDICIJA.NET

Journeys with more adrenaline Written by: Vlatka Vužić ◆ Photo archive: Ekspedicija.net

They jumped the highest bungee jump, dove with great white sharks, pedaled to the island of Jabuka, dragged a suitcase to the top of Europe... As they say, they are always ready to travel.

A Photos: Vitomir Maričić above African clouds (top); Buddha's temple in Nepal (left); the largest flower in the world, and although it is very rare, Vitomir found it in the Indonesian rainforest (middle); climbing frozen waterfalls, Austria (bottom).

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n initiative by a group of enthusiasts, established eight years ago under the initial title of the "TLI team" has grown over the past four years under the name "Ekspedicija.net".

Since the site was first launched to promote the first student expedition "Kilimanjaro Africa 2010", Ekspedicija.net has constantly expanded its content and projects. So far, a total of about forty people have gathered through the projects with the common desire and interest to explore geographical, and their own, borders in the most diverse ways possible.

Whether they climb together, work out, or organize volunteering campaigns to help achieve humanitarian goals, the members of Ekspedicija believe it's most important that they're active and that they contribute to the development of society and themselves.

Curiosity and fun as motivation Ekspedicija loves to motivate and logistically helps others head out to achieve their goals, and one of their

main partners is the Kocka Association, which it helps conduct various workshops for children and organizes expeditions, which helps the young people who follow them see a new world of opportunity. New members, who would like to participate in one of the climbs or journeys they organize, often join them, and many contact them for advice regarding trips to some of the destinations they have already explored.

Vitomir Maričić, founder of Ekspedija, reveals that he has already travelled through fifty countries. He would like to return to some of them to explore them further, such as Kyrgyzstan, Scandinavia, Nepal, Thailand, Australia, China, but also to many countries in North and South America. It might be a good idea to give some a second chance, but the world is large.

His greatest passion is the oldfashioned road trip, although the athlete in him is most drawn to climbing and the expeditions that have revealed another world of travel to him. The ones where he travels with more adrenaline. The Ekspedicija team has been on various such adrenaline trips.

They have jumped off the highest bungee jump, driven "everything everywhere", dived with great white sharks, pedaled to the island of Jabuka, played picigin at the highest altitude, dragged a suitcase to the top of Europe, and hiked to six thousand meters in suits...

They are always ready to travel, and as they say, they are motivated by curiosity and fun. 

In 2014, Ekspedicija.net completed two large projects: Conquering Jabuka island (by bike, pedal boat and climbing), and the "Pik Lenina 2014" alpine expedition in Kyrgyzstan. Follow the conquering of new destinations on ekspedicija.net and their Facebook site.

Horse milk from Central Asia isn't Vitomir's favorite dish, but he would include pad thai and mango sticky rice in his daily menu, and he would love to dig into excellent American steaks and burgers, and Norwegian almon more often... Desserts?

Indonesian fruit. Beverages?

Argentinian wine and beer from the west coast of the USA.

Photos: Siniša, Zoran, Vitomir and Sandro preparing on the Swiss Alps (top left); Sandro Erceg on the cliffs of Kilimanjaro (top right); Vitomir in front of the treasury in Petra (middle); walking through the desert in Jordan (bottom left); Vitomir in a bet with a Hindu yogi (bottom right).

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Travel writers

TOMISLAV PERKO

Tomislav hitchhiked across five continents and crossed the Indian Ocean on a sailboat.

Hitchhiking through five continents Prepared by: Vlatka Vužić ◆ Photo archive: Tomislav Perko

"Intensity. The passion you live this life with is what's important.

Are you really living it or just passing by it, not making time for the little things, the details, the miracles? You're a passive onlooker instead of playing the lead role", said Tomislav Perko who decided to make a change at one point in his life. He took the lead role in the film of his life. His travel "film" (still) cannot be seen on the small screen or big screen, but it can be read about in his book "1000 Days of Spring".

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T

he book "1000 Days of Spring" isn't a classic travel book. You have had a lot of book promotions for your first book throughout Croatia. When you talk about it, what do you focus on?

What would you like your readers to get from it?

This book is actually a thousand-day piece of my life, the part where I leave my job and head out to search for some other life issues, travelling. Readers will get either something funny, a smile or tear, and some might find a bit of advice or motivation to head out on a similar adventure.

You left Zagreb because you had the need to get away, to change.

How different is the Tomislav who returned to Zagreb?

Essentially, it's the same person, just a little more mature, more educated, and more independent. It's hard to describe how years of travel change you, what travel is responsible for, and what would have happened without it... Maybe it would be best to say that what changed me most is heading out on the trip, that small dose of courage and audacity that made me go. Later everything fell into place.

tip: Tomislav's book "1000 Days of Spring", which has also been translated to English, can be bought in bookstores for 129 kuna. If you contact him directly via Facebook, you can get a 20% discount.

In the book, you mentioned that you felt most at home in Kushtia, Bangladesh. Where did you feel least at home? What point of your long journey was the hardest for you?

I feel most at home in the places I stay the longest in, and the other way around. There were many places I just passed through or stayed for just a day or two. But again, the places aren't exclusively to blame for that, but also my mood, the people I met there, the food I tried, weather conditions, etc. There were many difficult moments, but they all pass, and they are forgotten. There is no time to think about negative things because the positive things will pass, and you won't even notice them.

Photos: the exotic Coconut Islands (background); Tomislav's book "1000 Days of Spring" (top left).

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Travel writers

TOMISLAV PERKO

Photos: Uluru, Australia (top left); the mystical city of Machu Picchu in Peru (top right); children in Malawi that Tomislav met while travelling through that country (bottom left); sailing near the Coconut islands (bottom middle); Tomislav and his travel companion Mare (bottom right).

Tomislav Perko was a young and successful broker in Zagreb. He experienced a "career shipwreck", which motivated him to change. "He reset himself", and became a traveler, couchsurfer, and hitchhiker.

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As you mentioned in the book, as a hitchhiker you didn't have a single negative experience, and there were more than 200 drivers. You must have met someone "quirky"? What methods of transportation did you use on your journeys?

To complete my collection, I think the only thing I didn’t "flag down" was an airplane. There were cars, trucks, horsedrawn carriages, buses, motorbikes, unidentified rail vehicles, boats, ships...

There were many quirky drivers, such as, for example, a former sniper who worked for the IRA, followed by a man who plans on starting a business with sea cucumbers in Croatia, the rock stars I sailed the ocean with... Who could remember them all?

Along with the road, couchsurfing (CS) was often your guide to your next destination. There were the most diverse accommodations.

Yes, there was a bit of everything: from villas with pools, huge apartments with a view of the old center of Prague, and a

cottage at the sea to the floor of moldy rooms that I shared with cockroaches. But each of the accommodations and people that played host to me via CS have their own story. Like with hitchhiking, none of them are negative.

You also travelled through Croatia.

What is the situation in Croatia with the couchsurfing offer and how ready are drivers to pick up hitchhikers?

What are your experiences?

I must admit that both situations are getting better and better. People call me and invite me to couchsurf with them, and drivers who recognize me from TV or the internet often pick me up.

Generally speaking, when talking about countries known for their hospitality, Croatia is somewhere in the middle.

As far as hitchhiking, we are behind France, Germany, or Holland, but on the other side, we're better than the Czechs, Italians, Spaniards...

You started travelling as a member of a fan club, and then you started

wandering the world on your own.

Now you travel with a companion.

Does the choice of destination affect who you will travel with? What is the next destination you would like to visit?

Maybe not the choice of the destination itself as much as the method of travelling.

When you are alone, you will depend more on yourself, communicate with strangers, and be left to your own defenses.

On the other hand, when travelling with someone else, there is also some minimal dose of compromise, it is more important to spend quality time with that person than to meet new people every day, etc. The next destination? Honestly, I don't know. At the end of the day, the destination itself is not important, but what you find there is: people, food, the energy of the town, etc.

In the interview mentioned in the book, in reply to the comment of the talk show host on the dangers of hitchhiking, you quoted the famous

songwriter: "Those who haven't set sail will talk of sailing". You can speak of "sailing", and you can also compare the beauty of the destinations. Where would you place Croatia in that sense?

Croatia is gorgeous. Actually, it's much more beautiful now that I have seen the world because before I took that beauty for granted. Travelling shows how fragile the Earth is and how we should all work on its preservation together.

You were one of the candidates for the "dream job". What would be your dream job in Croatia? And after everything you've seen, what would be your dream destination for vacation and for life?

A dream job is the job you go to with pleasure and you return from knowing that you did or created something. That job can be any kind and anywhere. An ideal destination for work and vacation?

The answers to that question are constantly changing, but at this moment, my answers would be: for life - Varkala, India, for vacation: Varkala, India. ď ś

Photo: A Kechua child in Peru, a descendent of the people from the ancient Inca Empire.

A backpack, a plush sheep (Maria Juana), a four-leaf clover, and a small notebook were Tomislav's only constant companions on the trips he describes in the book "1000 Days of Spring".

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Send and...

WIN

The "Send and... win" photo contest continues on!

Dear all, our "Send and... win" photo contest 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) or Algoritam (in English), published in the previous or this issue of tipTravel magazine. Sounds good, doesn't it?

By November 10, 2014.

"Molecule Man", a sculpture in Ber lin, whose holes represent the molecules of all human beings meeting with the purpose of creating our existence (Author: Mira na Koljatić, Zagreb)

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 November 10, 2014. 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 contest@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.

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?!

inj, at dusk The island of St. Katarina, near Rov many) Ger ich, Mun (Author: Silvio Katičić,

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You can sign up at: www.tiptravelmagazine.com

A bicycle in a street in Florence (Author: Vanja Premužić, Velika Gorica)

Croatia Europe in Sepia

Europe x 10

"Europe in Sepia" is the new book, or collection of autobiographic and journal entries by Dubravka Ugrešić. It tells the story of what happened to the writer in New York, Hong Kong, on Bali, in Amsterdam, in Zagreb... She eavesdrops on people in bistros, at literary panels; she describes her meetings, and many sad, but also many funny situations. Actually, most often, they are both funny and sad at the same time.

"Europe x 10" is a book of essays on Europe by author Viktor Žmegač, which consists of ten essays where each one can be read as an individual entity. The author reflects on European identity in essays on ten terms he considers to be key in understanding the new age of Europe. Amongst other things, the book discusses the phenomena of individualism, originality, utopianism, technology, etc.

The photo monograph "Croatia" by author Tješimir Marić will take you through Croatia and its irresistible landscapes in the coastal and continental regions over 224 pages. Tješimir is one of those artists who prefer to stay in the shadows of his creation. He would be anonymous if his photos weren't on postcards and calendars for centuries, delighting millions of people who admire the colors of his work. Although he has travelled landscapes worldwide, from Canada to Morocco, and from Iceland to Socotra, he dedicated his first monograph to Croatia.

www.profil-mozaik.hr

www.profil-mozaik.hr

www.algoritam.hr

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UNICEF

CROATIA

Photos: last year the Festival brought more than six thousand children to the theater, and even more are expected this year (middle); Martina Balić and actress Petra TeŞak preparing the narration together (top right); a photo taken after the opening of the festival (bottom right).

6th Children's Rights Festival

When films become available to everyone So far, a total of 18 full feature films and 60 films for children and youth adapted for those with hearing and visual impairments have been shown at the Children's Rights Festival. For many, this festival is the chance to visit the movie theater for the first time.

Text: UNICEF Croatia Photos: Dario Hacek (archive of UNICEF)

The Children's Rights Festival and UNICEF supported the opening of the new "Osmijeh" movie theater in Gunja, which allowed the inhabitants of flooded areas the opportunity to see movies for children and adults throughout August.

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J

ust recently, this past spring, a film with narration for persons who are blind or have a visual impairment was shown on public television in Croatia for the first time.

While the adaptation of audio-visual content for persons with visual and hearing impairments is the standard in many countries, in Croatia, it is the exception, which has been confirmed for the fourth year in a row by the "Children's Rights Festival", the only entirely inclusive festival in Croatia.

That means that all movies, for children and adults, which are in the festival's repertoire, are completely adapted for everyone's viewing enjoyment. Going to the movies during the festival is the first contact with film on the big screen

for many persons who are blind or have a visual impairment since neither our movie theaters nor television have content adapted for that public.

Completely inclusive Still, things are changing. Ten years ago, the "Zamisli" Association started recording narrations for films after one member with a visual impairment surprised them by saying she went to the movies with someone who told her the story, so the idea for narration was formed.

Since the Children's Rights Festival has always been dedicated to the idea that its content is available to all children and adults, successful collaboration was launched, thanks to which the Festival

is now entirely inclusive. Movies joined the cause, as well as many countries that allow their equipment to be used without charge over the duration of the Festival.

Many Croatian actors and actresses lent their voices so that the seventh art could become available to everyone. Narrations are filmed in the studio and live, in collaboration with a blind person with the role of director. So far, a total of 18 full feature movies and 60 movies for children and youth with subtitles for the hearing impaired and narrations for the visually impaired have been shown at the festival.

This year, the festival is also tied to the celebration of the Convention of Children's Rights, whereby the world promised to ensure rights for children, including the right to creation and participation in public life, as well as the right to equal opportunities.

Split as a partner city Over the four-day duration, from November 19 to 22, 2014 in the Blitz Cinestar movie theaters in Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Šibenik, Osijek, Slavonski Brod, Dubrovnik, Vukovar, and Varaždin, a series of Croatian and foreign films for children and youth will be shown, along with award-winning films for adults.

Along with the films, the festival also brings along workshops for children in the partner city, and this year that city is Split.

The topic of the 6th edition of the festival is decreasing and stopping violence against children as one of the key issues in fulfilling children's rights. So this year in the evening programs, the audience will

have the chance to watch the Canadian film "Blackbird", the Belgian film "Violet", and the American film "Contest", each of which shows the problem of peer violence in their own way.

Last year a total of six thousand children visited the festival, of which a total of about 70 had visual impairments and watched the movie via headphones.

We look forward to the day when headphones will become a normal part of the movie experience, and subtitles for the hearing impaired and narration for the blind and visually impaired part of the standard equipment for every movie shown on television and in the theatre.

Until then, see you in Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Osijek, Slavonski Brod, Dubrovnik, Vukovar, Varaždin, and Split!

The festival is a joint initiative of UNICEF, the Croatian Film Association, Ombudsperson for Children, the Alternator Association, and from this year it is under permanent sponsorship of the City of Zagreb. 

Photos: headphones allow persons with visual impairments to follow the movie via narration (top left); all films at the festival are inclusive (top right); the jampacked "Velebit" movie theater in Koprivnica, where the festival was held in 2013 (bottom).

tip: The Children's Rights Festival will be held from November 19 to 22, 2014 in movie theaters in many Croatian cities. Find out more at:

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News and announcements

WORLD

UNWTO: Increase in global tourism

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Johannes Zinner (archive: Compress Zagreb)

Conference on Seasonality in Tourism The seasonal fluctuation of the number of tourists, better known as seasonality, is typical for a large number of travel destinations worldwide. Seasonality is affected by weather conditions, natural factors, but also by public, religious, and school holidays. This key challenge of many countries will be spoken about at the International Conference on Managing Seasonality in Tourism, which will be held on October 19 and 20, 2014 in Tirana (Albania), organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism of the Republic of Albania.

Participants at the conference will share experiences and talk about strategies that allow the public and private tourism sector to solve the appearance of seasonality, in such a way that it encourages the sustainable development of tourism and the opening of new workplaces.

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Photo: Željka Kunštek

In the first half of this year, a total of 517 million foreign tourists travelled the world, or 22 million, or almost five percent, more than in the same period last year, and that trend is expected to continue to the end of the year, according to the data and estimates of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

According to data from the newest publication of the UNWTO's World Tourism Barometer, at 6%, both Americas recorded the largest increase of international tourist arrivals. According to the evaluation of the UNWTO, the World Cup in Brazil, which brought 10 percent more revenue to the country from foreign tourism in the first seven months of the year, and up to 60 percent more in June and July, was the greatest contributor to that increase. The Americas are followed by Asia and the Pacific, and Europe, which had an increase in the arrival of foreign tourists of 5 percent in the first half of the year.

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New transport museum opened in Vienna On September 13, a new transport museum, "Remise", was opened in Vienna, which takes visitors through the newly renovated exhibition area of the former Erdberg depot on a journey through the 150-year long history of the development of public transportation in Vienna.

Based on 14 different thematic elements, the new museum gives insight into the development of public transportation, starting from the horse-pulled tram from empirical times all the way to modern metro lines. Interactive and multimedia content is interwoven into the exhibition space so, for example, visitors can ride in a simulator of the Vienna metro, take over the role of conductor, or enter the bus that crashed into the Danube when the Reichsbrücke Bridge collapsed in 1967.

World Tourism Day celebrated As is tradition, on September 27, World Tourism Day was celebrated once again this year, with the official celebration and associated gatherings held in the Mexican city of Guadalajara.

The topic of this year's World Tourism Day is tourism and community development, where the desire was to emphasize the potential that tourism has in promoting possibilities for communities worldwide, as well as the important role of the community in promoting the sustainable development of tourism. The Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai, stated that tourism can develop only if it acknowledges and employs the local population who contribute with social values. The 2015 World Tourism Day, with the topic of "One billion tourists, one billion opportunities", will be held in Burkina Faso.

WTM London

Photo: John Stanmeyer (archive: Compress Zagreb)

As is tradition, the World Travel Market (WTM), one of the largest travel fairs in the world, will be held from November 3 to 6, 2014 in London.

At the fair, which traditionally presents a lot of current things and trends from the realm of tourism, hundreds of professional gatherings are held every year. This year, amongst the rest, discussions will be held on social networks in tourism, international investments and hotelier development, the European tourism crisis, new technology in tourism, etc., while the topic of this year's Ministers' Summit will be Tourism and Mega-Events. The WTM is the leading global fair for the tourism industry, with a tradition lasting more than 30 years, which gathers around 50 thousand tourism professionals, more than five thousand exhibitors, and around three thousand representatives of the media from all parts of the world.

World Press Photo 2014 The travelling World Press Photo 2014 exhibition, which shows the best press photos from the past year, will travel through 45 countries of the world this year. The exhibition is also a kind of review of the events of the world in 2013. At this year's competition, 98 671 photos on various topics have been sent in, and a total of 5754 professional photographers from 132 countries have signed up for the competition.

The jury has awarded 53 of them.

The best photograph of 2013 was the photo taken by American John Stanmeyer that shows a group of people standing on a dark beach, holding up their lit mobile phones to the sky. They are African migrants on the Djibouti coast trying to get cheaper phone connections from neighboring Somalia. The exhibition can be seen in the "Westlicht" gallery in Vienna until October 12, 2014.

ITB Asia

Application for polar light

ITB Asia, a three-day B2B fair for the Asian tourism market, is being held in Singapore from October 29 to 31. The fair is focused on three areas: MICE, corporate travel, and leisure travel, and it is the first tourism fair on the Asian market to equally represent all three areas.

Just like ITB Berlin, ITB Asia also covers the entire offer of the tourism sector. It is the most international travel fair in Asia, which is one of the leading events of its kind on the most populated continent on the world. The seventh edition of the fair brings about 4080 minutes of high-quality content, and more than 30 lectures and conferences.

Some of the topics include how to differentiate between upcoming trends, increase the number of travel events in Asia, and bear the challenges of the digital world.

One of Norway's greatest attractions is definitely Aurora Borealis, better known as polar light. In order to help visitors experience this natural phenomenon, the Norwegian Tourist Board recently presented a new mobile application for iOS and Android devices that informs users and predicts the possibility of the appearance of polar lights. The application also has information about this natural phenomenon, a three-day, expanded weather forecast, as well as a daily forecast, per hour, and other information, such as on accommodations, a map to get you around your destinations with ease, etc. Last year was recordbreaking for the visibility of polar lights, and according to climate forecasts, 2014 and 2015 should also be years when this impressive natural phenomenon can be seen well.

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Sojourn like an emperor Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi used to spend their summers there, and as of April 2014, tourists can also spend the night there. A suite of the Austria Trend Hotels was opened in the Viennese Schönbrunn castle. It is a 167 square meter suite on the top floor of the east wing of the castle, decorated in the style of the former empirical summer residence. The suite consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sitting room, a large living room, and a kitchen. The special feature of this suite, where the price of an overnight stay can reach up to 4900 euro, is the view offered of the Schönbrunn park, the Gloriette, and Neptune's fountain. Those with pockets not as deep can get their dose of the empirical ambiance in the museum dedicated to Empress Sissi in Vienna's Hofburg. The museum includes three hundred exhibits that offer insight into the life of the empress, and a thematic exhibition of the wardrobe of the empress is open at the museum until December 24.

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The first birthday of the baby elephant at the Vienna Zoo In early September 2014, the little elephant Iqhwa from the Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) celebrated her first birthday. The zookeepers surprised the 350 kg-heavy birthday girl with a birthday treat made to suit every elephant's taste: a hay cake, with especially sweet pieces of fruit, which is equivalent to a chocolate cake in the world of elephants. Iqhwa is the fourth African elephant to be born in the Vienna Zoo, and this baby elephant has become popular worldwide for being the first elephant to be born with the help of artificial insemination using the frozen sperm of a wild elephant. So, Iqhwa's father lives in South Africa, and her mother Tonga lives in Schönbrunn. The little elephant's name was also chosen in a special way, through internet voting. Around 22 thousand elephant fans decided on the name Iqhwa, which in the Zulu language means "ice", and pays homage to the special way the little elephant was conceived.

Amsterdam, photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Austria Trend Hotels (source: Compress Zagreb)

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WORLD

Three Norwegians passed Croatia in beating a record Three Norwegians, Gunnar Garfors, Tay-young Pak, and Øyvind Djupvik, managed to successfully break the previous record of 17 countries by passing through 19 in a period of 24 hours, as was written by the Norwegian daily paper "The Local". Starting out from Greece towards Lichtenstein, this trio passed through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, and Switzerland. Garfors said that if they had had a little more time, they might have been able to pass through Italy, but the weather conditions were not on their side. They passed through most of their route with a rented vehicle, and they said they will celebrate their record for 24 hours. www.croatiaweek.com

New York

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Hundreds of flashing ads, a bounty of famous brand-name stores, hordes of people, and countless yellow cabs tirelessly finding their way through traffic are a typical scene on Times Square. This square, one of the most famous squares in the world, is located in the Midtown district of New York, which is also famous for many tourist attractions.

Lufthansa

PROMO

Lufthansa to the USA and Canada

Foto: mediaBase Lufthansa

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ew York, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Vancouver... We could go on and on about the destinations in the USA and Canada that Lufthansa flies to. You can choose from twenty of them, so if you're not travelling for business, it definitely isn't an easy choice. As of December of this year, Boeing 747-8s planes will fly from Frankfurt to destinations such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., with a special treat: the Premium Economy class. This class, a combination of business and economy class, will ensure even more comfortable travel, with 50 percent more space and

many additional services. Besides the more spacious and comfortable seat, you also will have the opportunity to bring along two pieces of luggage, and if desired, you can pay an extra fee for access to almost all Lufthansa business salons. In most Lufthansa planes, you can choose fares for one or 24 hours as part of the FlyNet service, thanks to which long flights without internet are a thing of the past. Quick and efficient Internet access via laptops or smartphone devices is also possible above the clouds, so that you can enjoy surfing, sending emails, text messages, and MMS... ď ś

You can find special deals on flights to USA and Canada, but also other destinations in Europe and abroad at: LH.com October / November 2014

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We're taking you to...

NEPAL

Photo: Himalayan landscape.

Written by: Morana Jandrek Photos: Morana Jandrek, Jessica de Leeuw, TimothĂŠ Anjard

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NEPAL SOUTH ASIA

Butterfly hunting at the country on top of the world NEPAL China

India

Kathmandu

Buthan

Bangladesh

The first things people think of when they think of Nepal are usually Mt. Everest, colorful clothing, and the birthplace of Buddha. However, Nepal is so much more.

Discover the unusual traditions of the Nepalese, find out why young people come to the Himalayan valleys to catch butterflies, and who, besides alpinists, were the first visitors to this recently opened country.

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NEPAL

Photos: adventure riding in the mountains and one of the easier river crossings (top left); a traditional clay house in eastern Nepal (top middle); Buddhist prayer flags (top right); a traditional Himalayan village (bottom left); a child in eastern Nepal (bottom right).

Terai is a low-laying part of Nepal, and also economically the most developed part of the country thanks to the fertile soil and vicinity of the Indian border.

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remember when I was a girl, already obsessed with exploring the world, and I saw a documentary movie about the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.

Dark skinned thin people in bright clothing smiled at the camera, describing their impoverished lives as if they lived the lives of kings. Tibetan prayer flags flew everywhere, and I remember scenes of red brick houses with beautifully carved wooden windows and doors, and temples with unusual figures of gods in the shape of monkeys, demons, and elephants. In the background I could hear the mystical sound of drums and flutes, which sounded like they painted a picture of the magical peaks of the Himalayan Alps and the small villages in the middle of that surreal world. Many years later, when I already set foot on Asian soil, Nepal was on television once again. Now, some young adventurers

explained how they travelled the world, and now here, in the Himalayan valley, they were volunteering by catching butterflies for scientific research. With a smile, I thought that one day I will be there. "Who would go to Nepal to catch butterflies?!", commented an acquaintance of mine, with disdain in his voice. "I would!", I said, and my heart leaped for excitement!

Motorbike to dream land The unplanned five-month motorbike tour of India and Nepal started in Kolkata, and after exploring the northeastern part of India, it was time to head over to Nepal. It was May. Since the monsoon season was coming up, there weren't a lot of tourists, prices were lower, and the offer was the same as in the peak of the season. It was as if

the land border between Nepal and India didn't exist: hundreds of people walked from one side to the other, numerous rickshaw drivers strained to pull their passengers, cows walked freely around the border, and the soldiers didn't seem to care much. The formalities for the visa finished quickly so I soon found myself in Terai, a lowland area of Nepal, and also the economically most developed part of the country thanks to the affordable agricultural land and the vicinity of the Indian border. The best known tourist town here is Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I wasn't impressed.

Uncontrolled clear cutting of the forests nearby, great heat, and lack of things to do are my basic complaints, and the place itself seemed relatively artificial.

But that is why I truly enjoyed my time with my friends-travel companions on the trip through Terai to Kathmandu.

The true experiences included staying in traditional Nepalese houses, made of clay, mud, and excrement of the Asian water buffalo, taking showers with a bucket and water pump under the starry sky, and socializing with the local people, who told us about life in the small villages of Nepal. I soon concluded that Nepal is one of the places in the world that has great external beauty, but many sad life stories on the inside. Still, our hosts explained, life goes on, and the most important thing is to have a family and happiness in your heart, which is what these people doubtlessly have.

Photos: a boy in eastern Nepal pumping water for his household (top left); the hard life of the Himalayas (top right); a woman dressed in a sari prepares a meal in a traditional clay oven (middle); washing clothes in the river (bottom left); a woman winnowing grain near Kathmandu (bottom right).

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NEPAL

Photos: Thamel, the tourist district in Kathmandu (top); holy animals, cows, on Durbar Square in Kathmandu (right).

tip: In most places in Nepal there are stops with drinking water where you can refill your empty bottles and so decrease pollution made by buying new ones and discarding the old bottles.

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Kathmandu - a hippie oasis and trekking base I couldn't wait to see Kathmandu, the city I imagined so many times.

After a long ride full of adventure, we finally made it, parked our motorbikes next to Durbar square, and found accommodations in Freak Street. This street got that nickname in the period from the 1950s to the 1970s, when Nepal opened its borders to foreigners, mostly for expeditions to Mt. Everest, and so became an integral part of the "Hippie route". Many young people from that subculture travelled like today's backpackers, and some of them stayed to live here in a hippie oasis. Kathmandu was one of those places, and Freak Street was its base. Today, a lot of seventy-year olds live here, old hippies who openly roll joints in public, because it's common in Nepal anyways. Marihuana grows everywhere here even though it isn't permitted by law, but the law is relatively ignorant here, especially for tourists.

Photo: a Buddhist monk on Durbar Square in Kathmandu.

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NEPAL

P Dw hot ar o a r ik Ka a's chiv e th H m ot : an el, du

Dwarika's Hotel You can feel the authentic experience of Old Nepal and the typical Nepalese hospitality first-hand in Dwarika's Hotel. It is situated near Pashupathinath temple and Boudhanath Buddhist stupa, and only a few minutes' drive away from the airport. You can choose from spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and apartments, and the hotel also has three restaurants, a bar, spa zone, pool, library, fitness center, business center, a shop with traditional products... www.dwarikas.com

Today, mostly backpackers and those who don't demand a lot of comfort stay at the many guesthouses, since accommodations can be found here for around 200 rupees (1,5 Euro) per person per night. For those who prefer a comfortable hotel of a higher or the highest category, it is best to head to the neighborhoods of Thamel, Battisputali or Chabahil. There are many high-quality restaurants and bars in Thamel, but also a true shopping oasis where you can truly find everything: from various souvenirs and typical local clothing to trekking equipment.

I was sitting on one of the many squares in Kathmandu. Surrounding me was the "documentary" I saw so long ago: darkskinned smiling people, red brick houses, narrow cobblestone streets with Buddhist prayer flags flying above them with the sign "Om Ma Ni Padme Hum", the main 104 tipTravelMagazine October / November 2014

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

e: iv y ch ar enc o g ot Re du Ph att an m Hy ath K

Within the walls of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu hotel, forget about the buzz of the city and the noise of Kathmandu's streets. Here you will be awaited in an oasis of peace and luxury, with 280 comfortable and modernly furnished rooms, including eight suites and 35 Regency Club rooms. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a pool, spa zone, outdoor whirlpool, helipad, museum, tennis court, fitness center, and other content. It is located only four kilometers from Tribhuvan airport and six kilometers from the center of Kathmandu. www.kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com

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We're taking you to...

NEPAL

Photos: Buddha's eyes, the trademark of Nepal (top left); wood carvings on Durbar Square in Kathmandu (top right); Durbar Square in the historical town of Patan (bottom left); Hanuman Dhoka temple in front of the Royal Palace on Durbar Square in Kathmandu (bottom right).

Kathmandu attracts adventurers, family travelers, young backpackers, active pensioners, and many volunteers.

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Tibetan Buddhist mantra, on them. When in Kathmandu, don't miss out on seeing the Boudhanath stupa. This 14th century temple is one of the largest of its kind in the world, the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet, and according to legend, relics of Buddha himself are located inside the stupa.

What you will probably notice is the lack of protection of important sites.

Everywhere you go, you can touch ancient items, and it isn’t uncommon to see homeless people sleeping at temples.

Like old European towns Still, with all its Asian charm, Durbar square, or the Royal Square of Kathmandu, but also Patan and Bakthapura, historically important towns in the vicinity, are irresistibly reminiscent of old European towns. Durbar Square

is just one of a total of seven sites in the entire Kathmandu valley inscribed on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites.

The main attraction on the square is the Royal Palace, but also Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Ram, which, in the form of a monkey, stands at the entrance to the square. The temples date back to the period from the 12th to 18th century, and they are tied to the religions of Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism. Don't miss out on Swayanbhumath, the monkey temple, where many monkeys live. A pleasant walk will take you to the top of a hill with a large stupa, and the trademark of Nepal, Buddha's eyes, along with a viewpoint that will offer a view of all of Kathmandu. The great atmosphere in the city is also due to the fact that Kathmandu is a base for many hiking expeditions, whose members enjoy the benefits of civilization and buying cheap copies of sporting goods before heading up, and after coming down the mountain.

Kathmandu attracts adventurers, unusual people who want to enjoy freedom, family travelers, young backpackers, active pensioners, and many volunteers from various international organizations whose founders, fans of one of the most beautiful countries in the world, decided to do something good for the fantastic people who live there.

A goddess girl I assured myself that Nepal is no ordinary place upon exploring the various traditions of this culture. Despite the strong focus the country has on tourism, you can still feel the strength of tradition here. More than 80 percent of the population are Hindus, which brings about some customs that come from the religion itself: the caste system, or the hierarchal division of the population,

arranged marriages instead of marrying for love for most people, and cremation of the body upon death. Funerals on the shores of the holy Bagmati River next to the Pashupatinath Hindu temple, are important for the Nepalese due to the Hindu belief the river waters will cleanse their spirit. I decided to have a look at such a ceremony, after which I headed to Durbar Square again.

A little girl only a few years old, with makeup and dressed in traditional red clothing, stood on the terrace of the Kumari Devi house on the square. I looked at her and asked myself what she thinks of herself and the world that worships her as a living goddess. Today, Nepal has a dozen living goddesses, with the Royal goddess, Kumari Devi, at top position. The centuries-old tradition states that a female child is chosen from one of two local families, Shakya and Bajracharya, to be their living goddess.

The preconditions and selection process are so detailed that the little girl must have a total of 32 characteristics to even be considered. Everything is evaluated, from hair and eye color, facial lines, tone of voice, stature, etc., and after that the candidates are subjected to various tests of courage, such as being scared by masks in a dark room. Most important is the fact that the little girl has never bled, so they stop being kumari with their first menstrual cycle or serious injury.

I stood and watched the Kumari Devi who went out onto the terrace every day accompanied by her maids. She had a serious facial expression, but her

curious eyes scanned the sights and explored the world that is so close, but yet so far from the young kumari. Her parents are not allowed to hug her, no one is allowed to raise their voice at her, she is not allowed to play or watch television, she has no friends and is not educated, and with her first menstrual cycle she stops being a living goddess and comes back to the life of a regular mortal with many things to make up for.

Still, many former kumari have managed to make themselves a regular life with relatively positive memories of the days they spent as kumari. There are various legends that give various explanations for this tradition, but even before that, the Nepalese worshipped virgins, or kumari. Whether the tradition will last in the modern age is a great question since many believe the human rights of this little girl are being violated. While the

tip: Before leaving Nepal, get yourself some of the typical souvenirs: a prayer flag, a Tibetan doll, jewelry made of seeds and wood, or a scarf, vest, or blanket made of yak hair.

Photos: Buddha icons and prayer wheels can also be bought in the Lakeside District in Pokhari (top); Morana Jandrek and Timothe Anjard during their tour of the temples of Kathmandu (bottom left); Tibetan dolls are popular souvenirs (bottom right).

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NEPAL

tip: When you're in Bandipur, take the two hour walk to the village of Rumtek. Get to know the locals, and then enjoy your dinner in the only restaurant on the peak of the hill next to the mountain.

Photos: Phewa Lake in Pokhari, and a view of the Annapurna mountain range (top left); Dal bhat is a traditional dish (top right); morning in Bandipur (bottom left); Yac Donald's, a restaurant in a small village in the Himalayas with excellent yak burgers (bottom right).

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discussions are ongoing, many pilgrims continue to visit various kumari and ask for their blessings.

Dal bhat and Momo every day?

As far as traditional Nepalese food is concerned, it is relatively monotonous and based on two main dishes. Dal bhat is offered in all restaurants, and it consists of cooked white rice (bhat) served in the middle of a plate and dal (lentil soup). There are also various types of vegetables, potato curry, yogurt, and other condiments served in small dishes and refilled as necessary. In Nepal, people eat with their hands, always using their right hand, so condiments are mixed into the rice, and fingers are used to make balls of food. I enjoyed that custom. There is also Momo, a dish that

reminded me of ravioli. It is filled with meat or vegetables, cooked in a steamer, and then served with hot sauce. But in every town, and even on trekking trails deep in the mountains, restaurants also offer western food, candy, and drinks for tourists. Nepal Ice is the most popular beer, and there are also various berry wines. Still, be careful with meat, eggs, and fish, and don't drink tap water.

The hygienic conditions in Nepal are definitely better than in India, but still not as good as in Europe.

Take a detour In the 1970s, a highway was built from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then the importance of the small secondary village of Bandiphur dissipated. However, for centuries, this village on a hill, nine kilometers from the highway, was an

tip: Before trekking, stock up on nuts and energy bars in the lowlands because the prices are up to five times higher in the mountains.

important place for the Newari traders, the indigenous people of Nepal. Since the altitude is at about 1000 meters, there were no mosquitos, and so there was no malaria, which was the main advantage of this place, renewed once again. The façades in the neoclassic style, and clay houses with windows and doors that are several centuries old, are just part of the charm of this place dominated by a pedestrian zone. The restaurant terraces on the small square in front of the Bindebasini temple, with hundredyear old signs by the Newari people, are regularly occupied by tourists.

A two-hour walk from the center of the village will lead you to Siddha Gufe, the largest cave in Nepal. Guides await visitors in front of the cave with protective helmets, but make sure to take a flashlight with you. It is truly worth taking the nine kilometer detour.

You will come across an especially impressive view of the snow-capped mountains upon arrival in Pokhara. In this relaxed town on Phewa Lake, with the popular Lakeside District, you will feel as if you are on a beach. However, the view of Annapurna, the Himalayan mountain range that 'hugs' the city, will soon remind you that you are in the country 'at the top of the world'. A total of 40 thousand people annually go out trekking, or come back from trekking, regularly thrilled with the natural beauty that is hard to describe. Ten mountain peaks in the vicinity are higher than eight thousand meters, but the terrain is also ideal for amateurs since there is almost no need to walk for more than four hours per day from village to village. At the Lakeside District in Pokhari, shopping can be enjoyed, and Pokhara also offers walks along the shores of the Phewa Lake, as well as on the mountain above the city

to Pokhara Shanti Stupa. Here you will find the World Peace Pagoda, one of more than a hundred pagodas made worldwide after the Second World War

by Japanese Buddhist monks.

Adventurers know for a fact that Pokhara is also one of the best places in the world for paragliding. Many agencies in Lakeside organize flights from Sarangkota, a nearby ridge that offers a view of the city, lake, and white peaks. On this visit to Nepal, I skipped the trekking due to the fact that I enjoyed our Royal Enfield motorbike too much. However, Nepal offers driving adventures on some of the most demanding roads in the world with the added bonus of enjoying the view of the magical Himalayan peaks. Muktinath, a village at 3800 meters above sea level, to which such a road leads, would be the ideal place to make the decision to come back to Nepal as soon as possible.

Who knows, maybe I'll finally catch a butterfly. ď ś

Photos: common company in the ride on the Himalayan roads (top left); the road through Kali Gandaki gorge is one of the most demanding roads in Nepal (top right); the World Peace Pagoda above Pokhara (middle).

i

Nepal

... is a country in south Asia without access to the sea. It borders India on the south and China on the north. The northern part of Nepal is made up of the Himalayas, the tallest mountain range in the world, with Mount Everest as its highest peak at 8850 m.

Capital city: Kathmandu Official language: Nepalese Area: 147,181 km2 Population (2005.): 27,6 million Currency: Nepalese rupee (100 paisa) Area code: +977 Time zone: UTC +5:45

October / November 2014

tipTravelMagazine 109

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