I’ve been at sea this week . . . cruising the Croatian coastline on an inspection trip for our planned WOW! Travel Club charter next year. (I know, I know . . . but somebody’s gotta do it.)

I wish I could tell you everything – all the wonderful things I’ve discovered about Croatia. But I can’t reveal too much – lest I spoil the surprises I have in store for my WOWees next July.

So, a photo journal will have to suffice . . .

But first – a bit of background. You’d be in the majority if you confessed, “where exactly is Croatia, anyway?” Imagine the “boot” of Italy, surrounded by water on the shin, footpad, heel and calf. The body of water that borders the calf of the boot is the Adriatic – which is the sea that separates Croatia from Italy to the west. Maybe a map will help:

The Croatian coastline is among the most beautiful in the world. You’ve heard of the Amalfi coast? I think the Dalmatian coast of Croatia is as beautiful as it gets. The color of the water is other-worldly.

I took these photos – without a filter: a group of water nymphs (Aussie moms & daughters) practicing their synchronized swimming routine off the stern of our boat; random water shots that ‘wowed” me at every stop

And, you might be old enough to remember a modern war, which they call the “Homeland War,” which broke out after communist Yugoslavia (under President-for-Life Josip Tito) dissolved and ethnic and nationalistic tensions were inflamed. There were then six republics in Yugoslavia (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia). I was in the travel industry at the time, and though I’d never been to Dubrovnik, I’d done enough research and proposals for this beautiful, historic city to be personally and professionally horrified when they started lobbing bombs into the city.

The hilltop from which an enemy army once lobbed bombs onto the sitting duck city of Dubrovnik is now a scenic overlook, reached by cablecar. All the orange roofs are new.

Fortunately, that’s all ancient history now. Croatia – once determined to be independent – is now part of the Eurozone (though they still have their own currency). The Croatian people are friendly, generous and still appreciative of the simple things in life – like good food, wine and friends. And beauty . . .

This little seaside hamlet, Trstenik, is gorgeous – despite the fact that the surrounding hills were burned in a big wildfire last summer. This is the location of the world-famous Grgić Vina, a winery founded by legendary—and Croatian-born—Napa Valley winemaker, Mike Grgich.

Simple beauty is everywhere in Croatia.

The weather was generally perfect – even this incredibly picturesque squall!

Churches, churches everywhere . . . one more captivating than the next.

This little town is celebrating it’s 2,400th anniversary this year. (No – that’s not a typo!)

One of the few places in Croatia with colorful houses. Most times, they were just the natural stone color. Either way – beautiful!

The sunsets were breathtaking.

Wooden boat – dreaming of the sea . . .

Give me an opportunity to sit on a dusty tractor, and I’ll take it!

But possibly my favorite thing of this entire week, were the nine guys and their instruments (now, now … don’t get the wrong idea . . .)

Click on the photo . . .

Registration will open next week when I get home. This will be a sell-out.

Don’t miss the boat!