Travel Russia Today

One of the most adorable cities in Croatia is also one that is often overlooked. Located along the Dalmatian coast, the town of Trogir is absolutely fascinating, with a culture that was created under Greek, Roman and Venetian influence. When visiting, you may notice that pretty much every window and every doorway in Trogir is a piece of art.

Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can easily be done as a day trip from Split. One of my absolute favorite sites was the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a Roman Catholic cathedral that is the most imposing monument of Trogir. Bearing a Romanesque façade, the cathedral was built between the 12th and 17th century and is part of the town’s history.

Our group was lucky enough to have Ivo for a guide in Split; and wow, did he treat us nicely! After showing us around this exquisite Cathedral, he excused himself and basically vanished through a door in the back. We were all still busy looking around and admiring the cathedral when we looked up… and there was our guide playing the church’s huge pipe organ – which is centuries old! It was absolutely beautiful and I have to confess, it brought tears to my eyes.

In addition to admiring the town’s beauty, when you do make it to Trogir, please make sure to take a leisure walk around the city streets and buy one of their super cheap, yet delicious ice cream cones. I recommend you try the Kinder Egg flavor – yum!

Most of us want to be able to say that we traveled the world, right? Well, I know I do but it seems that I may be my own obstacle. It seems that in the last few years, I have been planning trips to the same places over and over and over again (the beach!). I think most of us find that ONE place in the world (Mexico, Paris, London, etc.) that feels comfortable. Feels relaxing. Feels like home. Unfortunately, this process will not enable us to see the world.

My message today is get out there- see the world! Venture beyond your comfort zones and plan a trip to an exotic, off the beaten track place such as Estonia or even better Georgia (and I mean the country, not the state). When I first joined Exeter about 6 years ago, I couldn't even point out most of our destinations on a map. Now, I can tell you where they are and more importantly why you should see them.

Be one of those exclusive travelers that is able to sit at a table and talk about a trip that no-one else has been on or even thought of. Go beyond the ordinary and see the extraordinary.

Slovenia seems to slide under the radar for most people traveling to central Europe. If you ask anyone brave enough to guess they will usually assume it is one of the previously war torn countries of the Balkans but most people will have no clue as to its whereabouts or its existence.

But Slovenia is an absolute gem. Hidden between Austria and Croatia it offers some of the most gorgeous scenery to be found and is worth a stop in any itinerary. A short 35 minute flight from Vienna (or 90 minute drive from Zagreb) takes you to Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia. But the brightest point in the gem is Lake Bled.

A dreary day will provide dramatic views as the clouds form a table cloth over the mountains but on a clear sunny day you are surely in for a treat. This is the stuff of postcards! The Julian Alps loom high over the lake and when conditions are right the lake traps them and reflects the majestic image on the calm surface.

While summer is more likely to guarantee better weather, the spring and fall mean less crowds. Strolling along the lake side with this magnificent backdrop will forever be remembered.

And there is more to do than just stroll and gaze at the breathing scenery. A medieval castle, complete with drawbridge and moat and that dates back to 1004, keeps watch from the top of the cliffs on the north shore and is worth a visit. In the courtyard you will find Dickensian stores with artists who still practice traditional manual printing techniques with a wooden press. Warm summer nights often feature classical concerts under perfect star lit skies.

The other main attraction here sits in the middle of the lake on Slovenia’s only natural island – the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. A Pletna carries you across the lake and 99 stone steps (or a more gentle rampway) take you up to the church. It is traditional for grooms to carry their new brides up the 99 steps to ensure a happy marriage and fun to watch them try. Once inside the church ringing the bell will fulfill one of your wishes – only one wish per ring please!

End the day with a delicious sundae or ice cold Zlatorog (the local beer) at one of the local sidewalk cafes and as you watch the world go by you will understand how you happened upon one of the lesser known but remarkable sites of central Europe.