WHERE TO SHOP- Some ideas:- ,ISTRA(Istria) :-Zigante Tartufi. Trg.Fontana,Buzet. Local farmer Giancarlo Zigante discovered the world's biggest truffle in 1999,and he now owns a chain of shops selling truffle-based products and other Istrian specialities.The main shop is in Buzet,but there are branches in Umag,Pula,Groznjan,Livade,Novigrad,Buje, and Zagreb.(Outside Croatia - Munich.)

ISTRA:-(Istria) WINE DAY-Open wine cellers day in Istra,is on the last Sunday(every year,)in May.http://www.vinistra.hr/

ISTRA:-(Istria) Tourist Office:-http://www.istra.hr

INLAND CROATIA:-Obiteij Filpec,Straznicka 1,Samobor.The Filpec family produce bermet,a vermouth flavoured with carob and figs,and mustarda,a sweet,spicy grape mustard dating back to a recipe from 1808.

DUBROVNIK- Dubrovacka Kuca,Ulica Svetog Dominika,Dubrovnik. A small shop and art gallery near the Dominican Monastery selling a wide range of Dalmatian and Croatian wines,liqueurs and rakija.

DUBROVNIK:SLIKAR(PAINTER)Dubravaka Bratos Krasnic.Zlatarska 3,Dubrovnik(old City)email:dubravka.bratos@optinet.hr

PULA:ZdarilekART.Damir Zdarilek,Tartinjeva 22,52100,PULA.Tel:mob:098 181 6749.email:dzdarilek@hotmail.com (Summer 2009 exhibition in The Church of St.Roche ,Built:1514,Umag.)
 
ZAGREB:- Croata,Prolaz Oktogon, Ilica 5, and also at Kaptol 13. Silk Ties,scarves,and accessories sold in the home of the tie.The main branch in the Oktogon passage near Trg.Bana Jelacica.Other branches are in Dubrovnik,Split,Rijeka,Osijek,Varazdin and at Croatian Airports.You can buy a limited selection with Croatia airlines Duty Free,on-board service.http://www.croata.hr/

ZAGREB:In Vino Veritas,Kapitol 21,Wine. http://www.invinoveritas.hr

ZAGREB:Kras.Trq.Bana Jelacica.For the Best Chocolates in Croatia.(Also a shop in Rovinj.)Traditional Chocolates since 1911.(My favourite is GROTTE -cherries in dark chocolate.) http://www.kras.hr/

ZAGREB:Natura Croatica,Preradoviceva 8,and Iblerov trg.10, 120 Orginal Croatian Handmade Souviners!   http://www.naturacroatica.com/

ZAGREB::Croatia Records, for Croatian Music, of ALL types. http://www.crorec.hr/

BRAC: Brac Fini Sapuni,Postira. Natural soaps scented with natural plant/fruit oils from the Islands & National Parks of Croatia.http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/bfs_eng/index.html

BRAC:Dalmatian Property Management:For Property Management in Dalmatia. http://www.dalmatianpropertymanagement.com.

ZADAR:-Maraska: 5 Centuries of tradition and World reputation of Liquers,among which Maraschino is the most famous,it also produces other alcoholic and non-alcoholic products.http://www.maraska.hr/
 


WHERE TO STAY,- Some ideas:- ZAGREB :- Hotel llica. Near the main square.A small family hotel of just 12 rooms.If you want corporate uniformity,don't come here,but if you enjoy a bit of character then do consider it.Does'nt take Credit Cards.http://www.hotel-ilica.hr
 
ZAGREB:-Arcotel Allegra.Billed as Zagreb's first design hotel,it offers 151 rooms with contemporary furnishings,DVD and internet connections.It is close to both the railway and bus stations. (On a personal note, The staff here are very friendly.The food is interesting, and you can choose the chef's "artistic creativity" at 3 set prices,if you fancy a change from the norm!However,make sure your facing away from the brick wall in the Restaurant,which reminds one, of being in a castle dungeon- a vast plain wall without a site of a picture- not even a" design "one,at that!)(March 2007.)http://www.arcotel.at/allegra
 
SAMOBOR:- Livadic. A family-run hotel on the main square;antiques,a Vennese-style salon and a courtyard serving delicious coffee and cakes.http://www.hotel-livadic.hr

PRIMOSTEN :-Hotel Zora.(A truely Internationally run Hotel!) A large hotel.Very friendly staff.Good Quality Food.Hotel nestles into a thick blanket of pine and cypresse trees,on a narrow isthmus facing Primosten.Rooms are being updated.Nice with balconies,and there is lots of facilities in a peaceful and shady forest.A short walk to the town and bus stop.Good Family hotel.A hungarian owned hotel.The Manager, comes from Luxembourg,(I understand,) and on busy restaurant evenings,you will find him in a chefs uniform,"show-cooking", for his guests!(May 2007.) http://www.dalmacija.net/primosten/zora_eng.htm

MAKARSKA:-Hotel Meteor.One of the most comfortable hotels in the area,with facilities to match.Set in shady woodlands on a beachfront west of the town.All rooms have sea-view and balconies(but side-sea-view rooms,you'll have to crane your neck too see it.).Sea Water Swimming pool.(From Makarska town seafront you can catch the daily ferry to the Island of Brac.)http://www.hoteli-makarska.hr

SPLIT:-Hotel Jadran.A modern hotel,some 20 minutes walk from the bustle of central Split and set on the coast with most rooms looking out to sea.Superb sports facilities,e.g.Olympic pool,tennis courts,sailing.A good choice,especially as the pine-covered Marjan Peninsula and some beautiful secluded beaches are a short walk away.http://www.hoteljadran.hr
 
BRAC:-Villa Adriatica. 24 Air-conditioned bedroomed,Family - run hotel,with small outdoor swimming pool.http://www.villaadriatica.com/eng.htm

  

KORCULA:-Korcula.A traditional and small hotel in the centre of town,with a great waterfont terrace.Built in light-coloured Korcula stone.Some rooms need up-dating.The hotel is not perfect by any means,but the location is unbeatable and people watching from the terrace in the evening is a must! http://www.htp-korcula.hr/

HVAR:Slavija.Good mid-priced choice in an old stone building on the harbourside,with breakfast served on the terrace in view of the nearby yachts.http://www.suncanihvar.hr

HVAR:Ivan Dolac. Tourist Village Ivan Dolac. The Hamlet is famous for it's Grape Growing.The Wine,a Red, is called Ivan Dolac.http://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=fZuFsgHb_JU


TROGIR:Pasike:-Small family-run hotel opened in 2004,with seven rooms in an old townhouse,decorated with 19th - and -20th century furniture.http://www.hotelpasike.com
 
DUBROVNIK:-Zagreb:-A small comfortable hotel set in a pretty late 19th Century villa,surrounded by a pleasant palm tree-filled garden 4km(2 miles) from Dubrovnik Old Town,in Lapad.The staff are friendly and helpful.There is a regular bus service which run's into town. Tel:(020)436 146

DUBROVNIK:Apartment Mira:-Apartment accomodates 2 people,and is close to the Stradun,within the Old City,http://www.dubrovnik-online.com/apartment_mira 

DUBROVNIK:-Hotel Bellevue.A 5 star venue,within walking distance of the old City.It is situated in a small bay,with a lift to the sandy beach below.The hotel has recently been updated,and holds  5 stars.(I stayed in the hotel in 2005,in a new room,overlooking the bay,and beach below,prior to its full upgrading to 5 stars.) http://www.hotel-bellevue.hr/Home.aspx?PageID=1
 
BRIJUNI ISLANDS:-Neptun. Veli Brijun.Enjoy the island after the day-trippers have gone.A harbourside hotel.Bicycles,boats and horses available for hire.The Islands also sport a Golf Course, where the late President Tito once played.http://www.brijuni.hr/en/Home.aspx?PageID=35
 
MOTOVUN:-Kastel.Stylish family-run hotel on the main square,with a shady garden and roof terrace giving views across the Mirna Valley.The restaurant specilizes in Truffle dishes.http://www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hr

NACIONALNI PARK KRKA:-Skradinski Buk.Small,family-run hotel in the harbourside village of Skradin,near the entrance to the National Park.http://www.skradinskibuk.hr

NATIONALNI PARK PLITVICKA:-Jezero.The biggest and the best of the three hotels inside the National Park,with views,sauna and steam baths.http://www.np.plitvicka-jezera.hr

ROVINJ:-Adriatic.The oldest hotel in Rovinj,occupies a prime location by the harbourside on one of the prettiest waterfronts in Croatia,with cafe terrace and the best rooms having views out to sea.Very friendly and helpful staff.The best choice if you like being near the hustle and bustle of the harbour.Most of the outdoor events in Rovinj,are done on the main square,(Trg.M.Tito,)which the hotels cafe looks out upon.(A personal favourite of mine, since September 1997.)http://maistra.com/en/Home.aspx?PageID=72

ISLAND OF KRK:Koralj Hotel.A hotel for enjoying peace,and quite,and complete rest.In a beautiful cove,close to the Old Town of Krk.(There is an Airport on the Island.)http://www.valamar.com/

OPATIJA:Hotel Mozart. A 5 star Hotel.(see photo in Gallery-ISTRA on this website.) An attractive looking hotel,with 5 star service. http://www.hotel-mozart.hr/index.php?Ian=1

ISLAND OF  CRES::Mali Losinj. Hotel Apoksiomen.4 star hotel,next to harbour front.Easy walk to Car Ferry.

 www.apoksiomen.com/fileadmin/user_upload/hotel_upload/downloads/KAPO_FS_web.pdf




OPATIJA:Hotel Opatija.A 2 star rated hotel,set on a hill behind the bus station(not that you can see or hear the buses mind.)The hotel features include Tennis Courts,and an indoor sea-water swimming pool.The single room 132,has excellent views to the sea!(see photo's in Gallery-ISTRA on this website.)http://hotel-opatija.hr/content/en/1.php

JASENAK: Tourist Complex of Bjelolasica.Reception,Vrelo bb,47314,Jasenak.Tel:(00385)047/562 118.Email:bjelolasica@bjelolasica.hr
THIS (According to my Croatian Friends,)is the Best Ski Resort in Croatia!


WHERE TO EAT/DRINK-Some ideas:- ROVINJ:Veli Joze:Rustic konoba by the harbour steps offering first-clas Istrian cuisine at wooden tables both inside and out.Specialities include bakalar(salt cod,)in a white sauce,and lamb stew cooked with potatoes.Tel:(052)816 337(from a personal view- great place to be on New Year's Eve!)
 
PULA: Valsabbion: Voted one of the best restaurants in Croatia by local food critics(and the hotel numbers-Sting,Naomi Campbell and Venessa Mae among its past guests.)Try warm scampi carpaccio.Tel:(052)218 033
 
HVAR: Hanibal:Named after the 16th Century poet Hanibal Lucic,and situated by the Church of St.Stephen,this restaurant has a very nice designer interior - old stone and wooden beams.Serves excellent fish cuisine - scampi,lobster,prawns,oven-cooked octopus,but also grilled lamb and steaks.Book in advance as it gets quite busy.Tel: (021)742 760
 
VODNJAN: Vodjanka:Chef Svjetlana uses the freshest seasonal produce,such as Istrian ham,cheese,asparagus,mushrooms and snails,at this cosy family-run restaurant.Tel:(052)511 435 (see photo-Gallery ISTRA)

DUBROVNIK:Mea Culpa: Bustling pizzeria in the back lanes of the old town,with tables out of doors on a cobbled street.Pizzas,pasta dishes and salads.(020)424819
 
NACIONALNI PARK KRKA:Kristijan: In an old stone mill above the jetty at Roski Slap,this serves simple plates of cured ham and cheese with bread,olives and wine.(April-October.)No Phone.

SIBENIK:Tinel: One of the finest restaurants in town,and with a very good wine list.Situated in a small square just near the Church of St.Chrysogonus,this restaurant covers two floors and serves up all the usual Dalmatian classics - seafood,grilled meat,stews,sausages and steaks. Tel:(022)331 815

KRK:Konaba Nono:Set in the centre of town this traditional restaurant specilizies in local dishes and as well as serving the usual array of seafood - fish,prawns,and pasta - has a few more authentic meat dishes.Try the homemade surlice,pasta tubes,usually served with a thick goulash sauce enriched with wine.(051)222 221

RIJEKA:Hemingway Bar:Good selection of Coffee and Tea and other drinks.If you are a fan of good cakes,then this is a must go place!http://www.hemingways.hrhttp://www.hemingways.hr/

CRES:KONOBA ROZA :vl.Nino Dorcic. Grabar 40.Tel:(00385)51/571 825. (My Croatian friend from Rovinj,and myself,ate here in July 2008.) The Shellfish and Fish, were perfectly cooked and presented!

UMAG. Konoba Taverna V11.Vl.Salma V111,52470,Umag.Savudrijulca c.bb Tel:(052)752 145 Eat indoors,or outdoors.Has outdoor Grill.Quite at Lunch-time(21-5-08)

UMAG:KONOBA UMAG:Vl.Hamdo Medic,ul.Pod urom 7,52470 Umag.Tel:(00385)(0)52751-423.(Eat outdoors or indoors-watch the cook prepare(20-5-09)

UMAG:Enoteca,Caffe Bar Feliz,Pizza Cut.Trgovacka 4,Umag.Tel/Fax:(052)741 407.Enoteca sells Istrian Wines,Olive oil,Grappa,Truffles.

CASINO'S

PULA: Hotel Histria. http://www.lasvegas.hr/locations.html
TAXI

PULA: "City Volvo Taxi Car"BRUNO, Mobile: 091/598 06 65. TEL: 052/517-10.

ZAGREB:vl.Sivic B.Mobile: 098/383 780(German speaking,some english, but he will phone his son,who teaches english in Zagreb,so you'll always be understood!-(March 2008-He now speaks better English.)

DUBROVNIK: TAXI SERVICE:Antun Ljuban.Mobile:+385 99 595 15 77 DUBROVNIK

UMAG. TAXI IRENKO. Auto -Minibus . GSM: 00385(0)98/215-307

SPLIT:http://www.croatia-transfers.com

FLIGHTS

CROATIA AIRLINES: http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/en

SAILING

ACL CLUB: http://www.acl-club.hr/

OLIVE ISLAND MARINA.UGLJAN,Nr. ZADAR.http://www.oliveislandmarina.com/index.php?a=1