Elafiti Islands, Croatia

We traveled to the three most beautiful islands of the coast of Dubrovnik- Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan known as the Elafiti islands. These beautiful islands are covered with lush Mediterranean and subtropical vegetation and used to be the favorite places as summer residence of Dubrovnik.

We had a traditional lunch at the captain's house and enjoyed the pure beauty of the island life.

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Over centuries Mostar and the region were a meeting place of different cultures and religions that have left a clear mark still visible today. The city of Mostar dates back to the 16th century. It was built by the Ottomans. The city is known as the "melting pot of cultures" where bridge separates, but also unites Catholics and Muslims. We walked through the Old Bazaar and old city.

Built in 16th Century by the Ottomans. It was destroyed by the Croatians in the Bosnia-Croat war, but has been rebuilt. Traditional diving is done from this bridge.

 We had a traditional lunch at one of the restaurants in Old town. Then saw one  of the old Mosques in the city.

 Next, was a refreshing stop to Kravice, one of the largest waterfalls in the country.

Beautiful waterfalls

Below we saw evidence left over from the war period. You can see on the mountain yellow tape where the government is trying to remove the land mines. Also there are many buildings in Mostar that are still waiting for funding to rebuild. You can see the bullet holes are still in the buildings.

Kotor & Budva, Montenegro

Located a few hours from Dubrovnik is Montenegro. It is a region filled with beauty and rich history. Some has called it the southern most fjord in Europe. We drove along the beautiful bay of Kotor and stopped in the main city, Kotor. Kotor is on the UNESCO World Heritage site because of its medieval architecture and numerous monuments. There are many Catholic and Orthodox churches from the 12th century. It's a walled city  with the walls extending up the mountain. We hiked up to the half way point- very steep and high. It has been ruled by many nations over time like the Venetians, Ottomans, Habsburg and even Napoleon. It was also part of Yugoslavia until it broke free in 1991.

Budva is more of a modern city that reflects both new and old architecture. It has views of St. Stefan island a super exclusive island for mostly celebrities. It also has an old walled city with a beautiful bay and coastal city with sandy beaches.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is a small country that borders the Adriatic Sea and was part of Yugoslavia until 1991 when it regained its independence. We visited the region of Dubrovnik in region known as Dalmatia. It's name means many islands.

Currently a very popular tourist destination because of its clean,clear and beautiful sea. Dubrovnik was first recorded in the late 12th century and was referenced often in the 16th and 17th century because of its great influence in maritime trade. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is surrounded by fortress walls. Inside it is a typical medieval city filled with cobblestone streets, churches, houses, and everything needed for a city. It's renaissance style is very charming. Though it has been rebuilt twice because of two major earthquakes (1667 and 1979) the still reflects its original style.

A couple of fun facts: Marco Polo was born here, It had the first pharmacy and quarantine in history and it used salt for tribute in order to maintain its independence with their Ottoman neighbors.