July 6
One of the great pleasures of running my own tours is being able to select meals that are not just food, but convivial experiences. Today was just such a treat on our Dalmatian Staycation.
We arrived on the gorgeous island of Vis and went for lunch at Fields of Grace Winery. Last year, you may remember Andrew and I doing a recon trip here when we came upon this place almost by accident. The owner, Joska, was a professional chef and culinary arts professor in Hong Kong. Along with his wife, Fung, they’ve created a gorgeous and inviting property of vineyards and lush gardens, all sustainably powered with systems of their own design.
We had a lovely and very long dinner and chatted for hours with Joska, so we decided this would be an interesting choice for a group.
We were definitely not disappointed. Our multi-course meal—home cooked by just the two of them—was presented in their garden pavilion and accompanied by their three wines, which they make themselves. Every course was so good, a cross between a top class restaurant and home cooking from around the world.
It was a remarkable lunch, and our hosts’ spicy personalities had us all laughing and enjoying our time.
It really warms my heart to connect my travelers with good people doing things they are passionate about. Kind of like we do as a tour company.
Want to learn more about our fascinating hosts? Check out their story on their website:
https://fieldsofgracevineyards.com/
July 8
Croatian Staycation, Vis Island
Our tour has taken us to Vis, which you may not have heard of. Its more famous cousins are Hvar and Brač, but Vis is just a little further and less accessible, making it a peaceful spot with zero mass tourism. It’s a gem.
Yesterday was a perfect July day, temps in the 80s. We headed out early for a lesson in sailing in a traditional Croatian sailing boat. You might not be familiar with Croatia but I’ll bet you’ve eaten Starkist Tuna—founded by a local who once fished from a wooden boat like this.
Come on an adventure with us!
As tour guides for over 20 years, we combat mass tourism with longer stays, unique destinations, and cultural connections. Our small groups of 6-18 ensure personalized experiences. We value positive, flexible travelers who embrace challenges so if you love wine, fun, and new friends, why not join us for an adventure?
Our afternoon out was in modern speedboats that took us out to Biševac island. It is hardly populated, but boasts beautiful caves in blue and green that are accessible by swimming. After a swim in open water, we had a beach break for a late lunch and cocktails.
For dinner, the kids and I decided it was a perfect evening to enjoy a fish dinner on the harbor of Komiza. The local specialty is lobster and we ordered one served over pasta and buttered herb sauce. At the end of dinner, the locals broke out in song. Our waitress told us this was a normal Thursday night, that after dinner the locals like to sing Klappa, traditional Dalmatian songs in harmony, and every table seemed to know not just the words but also the harmonies. Magical.
Honestly, it was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Andrew and I were here a year ago, planning this tour, and I wouldn’t have expected it to turn out as close to my imagination as it has. What a thrill to design travel experiences like this.
July 10
Croatian Staycation, Last Days
Our stay on Vis island included lots of swimming and sun, but also exploration. Vis was a strategically important island during WWII and into the late 80’s, so there are airfields, tunnels and military installations to be explored. Our guides told stories of war-time heroism and of the rise of Tito, the beloved dictator of the former Yugoslavia.
One of our days took us on a culinary tour of the island. We tried grappa and Peka, a veal and lamb dish baked in a bell-shaped pan under coals.
The last day of our tour brought us back to the mainland, to the city of Split. We toured the Roman palace of the emperor Diocletian (which you may have seen on a livestream last year with our friend Josko) and later enjoyed steak and lobster on the seafront promenade.
After a toast and a buffet of desserts, we closed out our tour. It was a marvelous 8 days. The kids and I enjoyed our guests, and the tour itself ran like clockwork. A guide couldn’t ask for more.
I know you all are wondering if we will do this tour again. I am sure we will, although it isn’t in the calendar just yet. If you’re interested, message me here and I’ll keep a wait list and let you know when we have something put together. Also, a gentle reminder that we are happy to do private and custom tours.
An excellent destination and has great food, indeed! I hope I will experience the coast tour someday with my family. Thank you for sharing your experience!