We are pleased to announce new BellaTerra destinations in 2020 will include Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, we are expanding our travel experiences in Croatia. Whether you are interested in art and history, want an active vacation, or you are planning a food and wine trip, these destinations have something exciting to offer.
Gastronomy in Istria
Photo credit: unknown
Spend a few days in northern Croatia exploring the beautiful peninsula of Istria located near the border with Italy. You can easily combine a trip to Venice with a few days in this region. The hilltop villages, undulating green hills, olive groves and vineyards will remind you of Tuscany, but without the crowds. The Roman amphitheater in Pula and the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec are two architectural gems that you should plan to visit.
With its extensive coastline it is only natural that the region has the freshest and most delicious seafood. Whether simply grilled fish on the barbecue or a plate of juicy oysters on ice, the seafood is second to none and will cost you less than you’d expect.
Secluded beaches
Photo credit: Ante Hamersmit
Croatia is an island hopper’s paradise. From celebrity spotting on Hvar, diving off the coast of Vis to skinny dipping in Rab, the choices are endless. Even better, there’s a more peaceful side to these islands where you can be alone on a deserted beach in just minutes.
Dubrovnik fuses elite glamour, old-world architecture and impressive history. The city is very walkable – explore the old town and city walls, visit the Rectors Palace, or simply enjoy the filming location of Game of Thrones as shown in the fictional city King’s Landing.
Scenic Slovenia
Photo credit: Arnaud Steckle
One of the highlights of Slovenia is the capital city of Ljubljana with its historic Town Hall, Robba’s Fountain, and the Triple Bridge designed by the famous Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik. Nearby Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes and is well-worth a visit. There you can climb up to Bled Castle and embark a pletna boat to the small island on the lake.
Captivating Serbia
Photo credit: Nikola Knezevic
In Serbia explore lively Belgrade with its historic Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone and its own ‘Central Park’, Kalemegdan, built on the site of a former Roman town. Take a day trip to the province of Vojvodina to discover the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci, the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a region renowned for its wines.
Picturesque Montenegro
Photo credit: Faruk Kaymak
Drive along the winding and wildly scenic Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro. The fjord of Kotor that stretches deep inland, with its high cliffs and mountains, lies just beyond the border of Croatia. In Perast visit the picturesque island of Gospa od Skrpjela. The church built on the island makes for a stunning view. Explore the charming Old Town and the seafaring tradition in the medieval town of Kotor.
Reviving Bosnia and Herzegovina
Photo credit: Anton Sharov
There is even beauty to be found in Sarajevo, such as the Bascarija city center. Most buildings have been rebuilt or refurbished to their former glory, although it is still common to see bullet holes that remind of the violent conflict. One of the most beautiful destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Mostar. Its iconic stone bridge, Stari Most built during the Ottoman Empire, was destroyed in the last war, then rebuilt, and recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bella Terra has the local knowledge to answer all your questions and help you plan a trip to these “off the beaten path” locations. Give us a call.
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