Motovun and Hilltop Villages. Best day trips on Istrian Peninsula, Croatia

In today’s episode we are in Girona, just north of Barcelona in Spain.  This is a little known Spanish gem and I’m sure after this episode you will definitely want to visit. Many people do daytrips from Barcelona as it is only 38 minutes on the fast train, but we share the best 3 day itinerary for exploring this interesting city.  Of course we cover the fascinating history including the most preserved Jewish Quarter in Spain, we walk the city walls after we found the entrance (thanks to a group of teenagers who disappeared before our eyes). Girona is a huge sporting city and is world famous as being the place where many teams live and train for the tour de France. Stay listening to the end to hear about the best food, the most interesting cocktail we saw but also to find out about the “red bridge”.  This bridge was designed and built by an extremely famous person – who was responsible for the most recognisable structure in the world, but he built this bridge first – So please enjoy episode 121, and if you want to see the photos of Girona then click the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/121/girona And if you look at the picture of the red bridge – you will instantly know who built it.

Did you know Barcelona has an Arc to Triumph – and it is at the entrance to a stunning park area filled with lakes, gold encrusted waterfalls, tropical jungle plants and even a zoo? No, neither did we and this was our 4th trip to Barcelona. Not only did we discover this gorgeous area, we finally went to the world-famous Montserrat monastery complex high in the mountains, just outside of the city. We loved it so much and can’t believe we left it this long to experience the incredible place. We share absolutely everything you need to know in this episode for the perfect visit. Stay listening to the end to hear how I braved my fear of heights to go up the funicular to experience probably the best views anywhere in Spain. If you would like to see all the pictures of the places we talk about in this episode, including the stunning views, then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/120/barcelona

Today’s episode is covering all the things you need to know for planning the perfect trip to Croatia. Whether you have 6 weeks like we did, or a shorter amount of time, we give you the must dos and definite don’ts. We also cover the places you can’t miss as well as the top things to do and see in those places. From the mountains of Istria, to the capital Zagreb, the stunning Plitvice Lakes, city walls of Dubrovnik and Emperor’s palace in Split to the best islands to visit – we cover it all for you. So please enjoy episode 119. Written summary is here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/119/croatia click here for all our Croatian Information www.beachtravelwine.com/croatia

Join us as we take you to Kotor in Montenegro, just over the border from Croatia.  We spent 3 days exploring and we share all the info you need for a visit to this small medieval city. Learn about the old town, the fortress walk, the best speed boat tour where to stay and the best places to eat and drink. Of course, we cover some history and also some things to consider when travelling to Montenegro – including tips on crossing the border. Listen as we share the stories of how people kept buying us drinks, the music and dance festival we stumbled across and what to do – if like us you are in the middle of a complete electricity blackout in 40-degree heat for over 8 hours. Please enjoy episode 118 all about Kotor, if you want to see all the pictures that we took in Kotor, then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/118/kotor

This week we are taking you to the most chilled, pretty  island in Croatia, without all the day trippers and tourists - Korcula.  We will share all the information about the old town which is known as the mini Dubrovnik. You will find out about the best wine and scenic tour to do and the hop on hop off water taxi that takes you to the most idyllic islands that surround Korcula. Learn about what to see in the old town, where to eat, where to stay and of course the best wine to try. Oh and the best spot to watch the famous sunsets. Please enjoy episode 117 all about our final destination in Croatia – Korcula. Click here to see all the pictures, maps and tours we talk about www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/117/korcula

[116] When you say you are going to Dubrovnik these four things come up every time 1. The famous city walls walk 2. The stunning old town area of Dubrovnik 3. The Game of Thrones locations where scenes were filmed 4.  And the real infamous historical events this ancient city has endured. We share information on all of these with you – plus give you some great hints about staying in this medieval city. Stay listening to the end to hear how we snagged the best table at the sought-after Panorama Restaurant and the most unusual bar we have ever been to. To say we were blown away by Dubrovnik is a total understatement.  It is one of those places that is so special and unique, that you just want everyone to go and experience it.  Please enjoy this episode and if you want to see all the pictures that we took in Dubrovnik, then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/116/dubrovnik You can see the walking tour we did here https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik-Old-Town-15-Hour-Discovery-Tour/d904-3494OLDTOWN?pid=P00171043&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

[115] If you want to go where the rich and famous hang out in Croatia, then today’s podcast is for you. Hvar Island is only an hour by ferry from split and is one of the most popular islands in Europe. You will hear all about the super yachts, party islands, glamourous beach clubs and restaurants. But its not all glamour, Hvar has a fascinating history as well and we take you to the Spanish fort that dominates the old town of Hvar with views to die for. Stay listening to the end to hear how and where you can escape the party vibe and see more of the authentic side of Hvar. Hope you enjoy this fun episode and if you want to see all the pics (honestly make sure you check out the super yachts at night) then click here: www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/115/hvar

[Ep 114] This week we are sharing about a wine tour we did while in Split Croatia.  To quote Lyle, I think this is the best wine tour we have ever done (and we have done a lot). That pretty much sums it up. It is the only wine tour where we have both shed a few tears, as the wine maker shared his story. But it isn’t all sad – in fact it is the opposite. It was a spectacular vineyard and wine tasting tour where the wine was fabulous, the views amazing and the company great fun. Make sure you listen to the end to hear about what some of the other people on the wine tour had us all singing – here’s a hint - they were from Sweden – so you can probably guess. If you would like to see all the pictures of the incredible views from the Seaview tasting rooms or from the rest of our wine tour, then click the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/114/splitwine

[Ep 113] This week Lyle and I are in the second biggest city in Croatia – Split. Split has everything you need for the perfect holiday – clear warm water for swimming, idyllic islands, forest walks, history, food and wine and stunning views and for those who like it – a great night life. We share the fun hike we did through a forest to a secluded beach, a speed boat tour to gorgeous Croatian islands, all about the history and amazing architecture of the 1,700 year old Emperor’s palace and all the best places to eat and drink throughout the plazas and squares in the old town. We had a jam-packed 4 days in Split and loved every minute and would highly  recommend it as a great spot to stay when in Croatia. Once again if you want to see all the pictures or find out more about Split, then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/113/split

[Ep 112] Hello and welcome to the Beach Travel Wine podcast where Lyle and I are taking you from the lush green part of Croatia to the famous Dalmatian Coast area on the Adriatic Sea. Today’s episode is about Zadar – now this coastal city isn’t as famous or popular as some other parts of Croatia – but it should be.  Zadar has the history, the beaches, the islands, the day trips, the food and wine, city walls, old town, cathedrals and so much more – plus it is cheaper and there are a lot less people – so a perfect spot to explore in Croatia. Also Zadar is known for the famous sea organ, the Greeting to the Sun solar light show, on the stunning promenade which is one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset anywhere in Croatia. We tell you all about the history, some hidden gems, where to find the best swimming spots, which day trips to do and a really fun experience that completely surprised us. If you want to see the pictures that we took around Zadar – and all the places we talk about then click the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/112/zadar Please enjoy this episode all about Zadar