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Ultra All Inclusive Nature & Nurture

Azul Beach Resort Montenegro by Karisma enjoys it’s geolocation, the amazing Ulcinj Riviera and outstanding Long Beach, and is a proud host of diverse flora and fauna, some often experienced on the 17 hectares of landscaped gardens and resort property.  

Ulcinj Salina is among the most important bird areas on the Adriatic and Europe as a whole. The area encompassed in the greater region is Ada Bojana Island, Sasko and Skadar Lake, Velipoja in Albania and Velika Plaza/ Long Beach – home to Ultra All-Inclusive Azul Beach Resort Montenegro by Karisma.

We are excited to be located by the Ulcinj Salina, a unique fauna and flora habitat, and the most important resting, wintering and breeding site for many species of waterbirds along the Adriatic Flyway. Thousands of individual birds and 250 species rely on this area, including the amazing Great Flamingos, Black-winged stilts and Dalmatian Pelicans, as well as being a habitat for many endangered species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and plants. During the transitory phase in springtime there are more than 40,000 migrating birds per day.  The nearly 250 registered species make up for 50% of registered species of the European continent, making it one of top places for birdwatching in Europe!

The vegetation of our amazing location is as diverse, currently over 110 plant species have been defined. Additionally, the Montenegrin Olive Route stretching to the Ulcinj Riviera produces also a delicate type of olive oil, indigenous in Southern Montenegro dubbed as ‘yellow yield’, continuing tradition of olive production centuries’ old.

You might notice our enthusiasm in local produce in our cuisine and menus, but you will also definitely meet our chirping cohosts, the swallows. They particularly enjoy visiting your terraces and verandas and our resort paths and corners, but their favorite pastime in our resort is watching you have coffee at the The Lobbyist! As they hunt for insects, ease our days and lull us with their song and friendly nature, we would like to thank you in advance for respecting our surroundings and for supporting us in the love and conservation of this threatened species on the Adriatic. Did you know that swallows are also referred to as the Birds of Freedom? This is because they cannot endure captivity and will only mate in the wild. Unless thoroughly loved and respected. Or so we at Karisma believe!

Usually not very calm around human habitation, we are proud that our swallows are very much so due to the respect and love we have between our amazing team and these most amazing birds who fly up to 200 miles a day as their migration takes them south through Europe and across Sahara desert. Most songbirds use a nest for a single season, then build a new one if they survive to breed again. However, studies showed most return to the same colony, and we do so want to welcome our friends again next summer back from South Africa. They are moreover particularly important to our sailors as well as sailors worldwide and all their families, as being land based the swallows are a sign of closeness to the shore and thus home.

Welcome to Azul Beach Resort Montenegro!

www.azulbeachmontenegro.com

Author: #KarismaTeam at #AzulBeachLife #ExperienceMontenegro

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The secret history of Ulcinj

Ulcinj, one of the oldest settlements of the Adriatic, is a place of very rich and intriguing history. Truth or legend, some of the occurrences even today, after so many centuries, remain under a veil of mystery. Who was the famous slave of the Ulcinj pirates and thereafter the son-in-law of the city of Ulcinj? Is the grave of the famous Jewish ‘messiah’ really in Ulcinj? The official history still cannot answer but the stories, evidence and legends reveal many secrets of the Old Town.

Image: Ulcinj Old Town at dusk

This Story begins on the Slave Square…

Long time ago Ulcinj was a popular pirate destination and a famous market for slaves. During the Ottoman rule, which lasted longer than 200 years, there was a Slave Square in front of the church-mosque of the Old City.

Today that square is called The Cervantes Square.

It sounds incredible, but a small square of the small town in a small country of the Adriatic coast truly does bear the name of the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. And for a great reason!

Legends say that Cervantes in his youth was a slave of the Ulcinj pirates. Finding an important letter on him from the Spanish king during his capture, the pirates estimated that Cervantes was a valuable slave and that they could fetch a good amount of gold for him. More precisely they wanted 500 gold coins for him, which was quite a sum. As no one in Spain had or did not want to pay the huge sum, Cervantes spent 5 years in Ulcinj.

Image: Ulcinj Old Town Cervantes Square / Slave Market jail cell

The locals called him Servet, which was part of his name. At the time, a completely unknown Spaniard with his unusual behavior attracted much attention. He would sing during the day and stay up until late at night to write. The ladies liked to listen to him, one in particular. According to folklore, that Old Town lady stole Cervantes’ heart and a great love ensued.

Five years later, when his father arranged his release, Cervantes returned to Spain together with the beautiful Ulcinj lady. Upon his release, and return to Spain, Cervantes created one of the most famous novels in the world after the Bible, and the most translated peace of literature – Don Quixote.

Don Quixote and the story of Dulcinea del Toboso are closely linked by many researchers to Ulcinj. Primarly because the famous novel was written after Cervantes’ captivity in Ulcinj, but also because the name of the main heroine of the novel, Dulcinea actually means a girl from Ulcinj – the name stems from the word Dulcigno, which was the name of the city at the time.

Whether Servet was really Cervantes, and Servet’s writings were later published as Don Quixote has not yet been officially confirmed. However, it is known with certainty that Cervantes was a slave somewhere on the Mediterranean and for the people pf Ulcinj it was more than certain it was Ulcinj. This is why they proudly glorify their square and call it the Cervantes Square.

Image: Ulcinj Old Town aerial 

The Secret History of Ulcinj continues....

Who carved the Star of David in the Balsic Tower?

In Ulcinj Old Town, right next to the mosque is the famous Balsic Tower. Its mystical interior and even more intriguing history indicates that this is where Djerdj Balsa died, the most famous Prince of Balsices, as did a very important figure of the Jewish history, Shabbetai Zevi, a false messiah and a reformer of the Talmud. His controversial life as a self-proclaimed messiah and his death in exile in Ulcinj are still the subject of scientific and historical controversy and research.

Who was Shabbetai Zevi (alternative spellings Sabbatai Zevi, Shabbetai Tzvi, Shabbeṯāy Ṣeḇī, Shabsai Tzvi, Shabbetai Zvi), and why are there still discussions about him and how did he end up in Ulcinj?

Zevi lived in the 17th Century, and was born in the city of Izmir, a very important city of the then Ottoman Empire, as a son of a rich Jewish family. Zevi himself was very educated, of above-average intelligence and destined for a leader. He was a great supporter of freedom and his fellow followers saw him as a savior, a man from the future who would return Jews to Israel and Palestine.

Encouraged by the conviction that he is a great prophet of divine powers who would change the world, in his 40th year he proclaims himself the messiah – one of the whole world and all nations. He gained a large number of supporters and followers far beyond the Ottoman Empire.

On the wings of the fame he gained, he even demanded from Sultan Mehmed IV to renounce the Koran and accept the Talmud. Events followed and Zevi is imprisoned, and it is believed that the sultan put Shabbetai to a test, saying he would accept him as a messiah if the arrows shot towards him came back – which of course was impossible. In the end, the sultan spared his life but demanded Zevi convert to Islam. Shabbetai Zevi became Aziz Mehmed Effendi and sent to the ends of the empire, Ulcinj, where is stayed in the Balsic Tower officially as Sultan’s keeper of the gates, but deep inside he still believed in his messianic mission.

Did Shabbetai Zevi really live and die in the Balsic Tower, where was he truly buried (as there are some indications that his remains are located on the private property of the Manic family in Ulcinj), was he only a rabbi or a great messiah, was he a Muslim or a Jew?... These are just some of the mysteries that intrigue and interest worldwide historians to this day.

Image: Balsic Tower In Ulcinj Old Town

In one of the most beautiful coastal cities, over two centuries, two great personalities lived, and as such immortalized the city at the same time – Miguel de Cervantes with his Dulcinea and Shabbetai Zevi with his Star of David on the Balsic Tower and his secret grave. 

These two, among others, brought Ulcinj to a significant spot on the stage of the world history.

Author: Azul Beach Resort Montenegro by Karisma team

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CETINJE, THE KEEPER OF 3 GREAT CHRISTIAN WORLD RELICS

The former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, today preserves the 3 great Christian relics, and as such is the most important Montenegrin cultural, historical and spiritual center.

A beautiful mountainous town at the foot of the Lovcen mountain, which abounds in charm, attracts thousands of tourists because what Cetinje has to offer is rarely seen or felt. The spirit of old times, the energy of the old world is to date still completely preserved and lived here.

When you step into Cetinje, the history well-preserved in the Cetinje Monastery, the National Museum, and The Blue Palace, the Palace of King Nikola will literally enfold before your eyes…

And perhaps the most valuable is what Cetinje keeps in its heart ae the 3 great Christian relics. Just looking at them leaves one breathless.

The Three Great Christian Relics of immeasurable value

Since 1941 Montenegro has been the custodian of important religious relics:

The Icon of the Our Lady of Philermos – the oldest preserved icon in the world of Virgin Mary

The hand of St John The Baptist – who baptized Jesus Christ

Particles of the Holy Cross – part of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified

The relics are set in gold frames coated with brilliants, diamonds, rubies and sapphires. It was always known that these have outstanding value, however their first assessment of value was in Russia in 1859 when they were estimated at 24,930 rubles in gold.

Even though the relics have their material side, for the believers they are priceless. These are miraculous relics that give spiritual strength and sublimity, and these cannot be measured in wealth.

FROM ANTIOCH TO CETINJE

How these relics arrived to Montenegro is a truly interesting account. They have been preserved and transferred from country to country for centuries, finally reaching Cetinje where they have been for 8 decades.

After 9 centuries, the relics were transferred from Antioch to Jerusalem, and via Constantinople (todays Istanbul) came to the possession of the Knights of the Holy Crusades of St John the Baptist. They kept then on the island of Rhodes until the middle of the 16th Century when the Turks conquered the Rhodes. The knights then move to Malta, together with the relics, and change their name to the Knights of Malta or Knights of St John, commonly the Knights Hospitaller. The wars continued, and after the conquest of Malta by Napoleon, the knights move to Rome and in 1799 the relics ae handed over to Russian Tsar Paul Petrovich Romanov, Emperor Paul I of Russia. The Romanovs kept the relics until the Russian Revolution of 1918 when Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark), the mother of the last Russian Tsar, Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, then transferred them from Russia to Copenhagen.

At the end of her life, she gave them to the Russian Metropolitan Antony Khrapovitsky who brought the relics through Berlin to Belgrade. In Belgrade he gave them to King Aleksandar Karadjordjevic as a sign of gratitude of the Russian people and the Russian church for receiving a large number of refugees from Russia.

The relics were in the Royal Palace in Belgrade until 1941 when King Peter II gave them to the Ostrog Monastery for safekeeping. The relics remained hidden in Ostrog until 1952. After the war, the relics were with the State Security Service which only in 1978 conveys them to the Religious Commission of the then Government of Montenegro. The hand of Saint John The Baptist and particles of the Holy Cross were handed over to the Cetinje Monastery for their final resting place, and the icon of Our Lady of Philermos to the National Museum in Cetinje, where they are still located to this day.

Cetinje, with all the cultural and historical values it bestows on all visitors, is a place that is unavoidable to experience. The confluence of strength, spirituality, life and struggle is carved here in every stone, and visible at every step. The relics are only a part of the enormous prosperity of Cetinje – so let the roads take you to Cetinje next time you visit Montenegro.

[karismaadriatic]

Holiday Village Montenegro Continues to Enrich Ulcinj’s Tourist Offer

Karisma Hotels Adriatic Montenegro, as part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, recently presented 96 spacious luxury apartments in the new part of the complex Holiday Village Montenegro to the locals and tourists of Ulcinj.

Apart from the apartments, two new swimming pools were presented to the guests, one for adults and one for children, reports Glasnik by Montenegrin Chamber of Economy.

"The new building is very nicely embedded in the existing ambience, thus additionally contributing to the offer of this unique four-star complex," said the management of the hotel group.

Holiday Village Montenegro is located on the Great Beach (Montenegrin: Velika plaža), which is famous for its beauty, medicinal sand, as well as pines, which cover a large of the complex.

"This position and plenty of content make Holiday Village Montenegro a haven for all visitors, whether they are looking for romance, recreation or relaxation. Our friendly staff will ensure that the service exceeds the expectations of all guests," says the announcement of the hotel group management.

Karisma Hotels Adriatic Montenegro occupies, as they stated, a dominant position in the tourist offer of Ulcinj, which was contributed by the first phase of the complex Holiday Village Montenegro. The offer of the first phase includes two gorgeous hotels: Holiday Village Montenegro and The Long Beach Hotel Montenegro.

“With Ulcinj old town where pirates once roamed just 5 km away, miles of beaches to be explored and terrific sights to take in, our guests will surely have an experience like no other in this magical part of the Adriatic coast,” said the Karisma representatives.

This successful group also manages the Wind Rose Resort located in Bar.

The Wind Rose Resort by Karisma, a 21st century 4-star luxury hotel in Dobra Voda, represents one of Montenegro’s most stunning settings. Its great location allows guests to fully experience everything Montenegro has to offer – from ancient Bar, Lake Skadar, Ada Bojana to cosmopolitan Porto Montenegro and the Croatian Riviera. This family-friendly resort provides the highest standards of comfort and unmatched travel experience at a unique location where a myriad of benevolent winds come together.

"Together with its strategic partner TUI, within the last year, Karisma organized over 140 international flights to the airports in Tivat and Podgorica. Numerous awards, among which are those obtained from TripAdvisor and Trivvy, testify to the success of Karisma's offer, "the management said.

By Aljoša Drobnjak, 23 Jun 2019. via TMN

[karismaadriatic]

Karisma Hoteli - Ulcinj, oživljena legenda najlepšeg grada južnog Jadrana

Neverovatan miks Mediterana, Orijenta i Zapada, 25 vekova stari grad - Ulcinj vas poziva u jedinstvenu avanturu.

Nekadašnji Kolhinijum, današnji Ulcinj, prvi je veliki grad na Jadranu nakon prolaska kroz Otrantska vrata, centar velikog i plodnog zaleđa koje se proteže do Skadarskog jezera i planine Rumije, divno mesto gde gorski povetarci i maestrali šapuću legende o njegovoj burnoj prošlosti.

Stari grad sa pitoresknim srednjovekovnim, uskim i krivudavim ulicama, gusto zbijenim kamenim kućama i sa vidnim obeležjima renesanse i baroka, kao i nizom građevina iz osmanlijskog perioda, mami da krenete u avanturu i istraživanje. Iza kapije starog dela grada nalaze se ostaci svih stadijuma njegove prošlosti počevši od kiklopskih zidova, tipičnih za utvrđenje starih Ilira.

Prošetajte gradom i okolinom i otkrijte lepotu Sahat kule, hamam, ostatke rimskih rustičnih objekata i tragove devet civilizacija koje su protutnjale i svaka na svoj način ostavile pečat u ovom drevnom gradu.

Kada su prirodne lepote ovog kraja u pitanju, malo je reći da je Bog zaista bio darželjiv, kreirajući koloristički i miomirisni mozaik koji uključuje modro plavo more, smaragdno zelenu reku Bojanu, Šaško jezero, ostrvo Adu, vekovima stare maslinjake, borovu šumu i lekovite izvore.

Stiče se utisak da ste u Ulcinju na besplatnoj aromaterapiji pod vedrim nebom. Kada se sudare morski maestrali s mirisima agruma, smokvi, nara, kivija i lovora, ostajete gotovo omamljeni aromatičnim isparenjima koja blagotvorno utiču na svakog posetioca.

Ulcinj ima idealnu klimu, pa se u tom pogledu može porediti sa slavnim turističkim centrima na Sredozemlju, a ono što ga posebno karakteriše jeste činjenica da je ovo grad sa 218 sunčanih dana tokom godine.

Prelepe peščane i lekovite plaže su zaštini znak Ulcinja, a najveća od njih je oko 12 km dugačka Velika plaža sa svojim baršunastim peščanim žalom se proteže u blagom luku od uvale Porta Milena do ušća reke Bojane, a od centra grada je udaljena 4km.

Ukoliko planirate putovanje ovog leta u Crnu Goru, a u potrazi ste za jedinstvenom i autentičnom turističkom avanturom, nema boljeg mesta od grada satkanog od legendi o gusarima i slavnom španskom piscu Servantesu koji je po predanju proveo deo života u Ulcinju. Ne propustite da posetite stari grad, Adu Bojanu,Valdanos uvalu i praistorijski grad Šas.

Kada pomislimo na egzotičan i bajkovit odmor, obično zamišljamo veoma udaljene destinacije, a zapravo neke od najlepših plaža nalaze se u komšiluku, u Crnoj Gori. Ulcinj je u tom smislu dugo godina nepravedno bio skrajnut s turističke mape.

Karisma grupacija, koja je prepoznala potencijal ovog crnogorskog bisera vraća zasluženi sjaj ovoj destinaciji hotelom Holiday Villages Montenegro, jedinstveni rizort koji se izdvaja sveobuhvatnom ponudom i prepoznatljivom uslugom, sa mnoštvom sadržaja za decu i odrasle!

Užitak, zabava, opuštanje i avantura stoje rame uz rame u ovom ulcinjskom biseru, gde azurna voda zapljuskuje plažu sa kao puder mekim peskom pod vašim stopalima. Ovaj elegantan i neverovatno komforan hotel od 353 sobespaja moderne pogodnosti i srdačnu gostoljubivost sa ležernim glamurom, i jednako je primamljiv parovima, porodicama s decom ili društvu prijatelja.

Hotel nudi širok dijapazon enterijera, od dvokrevetnih soba do prvih swim up apartmana u Crnoj Gori, dvosobne povezane porodične sobe, tako da postoji nešto za svakog gosta. Svaka hotelska soba ima moderne pogodnosti kao što su klima-uređaj, 43-inčni flat-screen TV, mini-bar, aparat za pripremu kafe / čaja…

Četiri hotelska restorana su svojevrsno putovanje kroz ukuse sa, predivnim pogledima i pažljivo razrađenim menijem, spajajući najbolje od mediteranske i svetske kuhinje. Pronađite svoje letnje blaženstvo u izvanrednim barovima i otkrijte kreativne koktele, prestižna vina i najbolja piva crnogorskih pivara. Rashladite se u jednom od 6 bazena koji su tematski raspoređeni kroz čitav kompleks, uživajte u pogledu sa najvećeg infinity bazena u Crnoj Gori.

Idealna lokacija na najdužoj plaži na Jadranskoj obali, nekadašnji hotel Olympic, preporučuje jedinstvenu hotelsku ponudu za dinamične dane i sanjalačke noći pod novim imenom – The Long beach hotel Montenegro.

Savršen za porodičan odmor, The Long beach hotel Montenegro trenutno je jedini budget friendly all-inclusive hotel sa 3 zvezdice u Crnoj Gori. Gostima je na usluzi 126 moderno i šik opremljenih soba-od jednokrevetnih, dvokrevetnih i trokrevetnih, pa sve do apartmana. Ovaj nedavno renovirani ljupki hotel može da se pohvali i potpunom novim bazenom za odrasle i jednim manje površine za decu, za potpuno uživanje.

U glavnom restoranu hotela služe se raznovrsni kulinarski specijaliteti lokalne i internacionalne kuhinje. Sabbia bar na plaži i restoran poznati su po ukusnoj hrani za najmlađe i tinejdžere. U kafeu The Long beach Montenegro, gosti mogu uživati u raznovrsnim koktelima i pićima. Gostima je omogućen besplatan Wi-Fi i sve prostorije su klimatizovane. Kapacitet konferencijske sale od 150 mesta sa audio-vizuelnom idealan je za organizaciju team building druženja, seminara, sastanaka i konferencija.

Nezaboravne avanture zagarantovane su dodatnim sadržajima hotela poput: kajtsurfinga, plivanja, planinarenja, fudbala, tenisa i odbojke. Hotel se nalazi na kratkoj udaljenosti od svega najboljeg što Ulcinj ima u ponudi, uključujući i predivnu Adu Bojanu, a može biti i idealna polazišna tačka za obilazak kompletne crnogorske obale i njenih gradova.

Divna peščana Velika plaža prostire se na 12 km, a kristalno čisto more omogućuje sve uzbudljive vodene sportove koje volite. Bilo da ovde dolazite zbog adrenalinske aktivnosti, kupanja i sunčanja ili samo da biste slušali umirujući ritam talasa koji ljube ove obale, pripremite se za nezaboravno uživanje na Jadranu na koje vas vodi Karisma.

Izaberite all inclusive odmor kakav zaslužujete i bukirajte odmah po ceni već od 33 eura za termine u maju.

Za više informacija pozovite 011 400 2 333 i posetite https://www.karismaadriatic.com/cro/Hotels-Resorts/Holiday-Villages-Montenegro/

https://www.longbeachmontenegro.com

via Blic

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Karisma hoteli – Nickelodeon junaci za sve uzraste

Da li pamtite kako je izgledao jedan tipičan dan u vašem detinjstvu? Verovatno ne. Ali se kladimo da se možete jasno prisetiti jednog porodičnog putovanja koje je zbog “lude” zabave na moru zauvek ostalo u vašem sećanju.

Ako želite da i vaša deca iskuse istu magiju na odmoru i “ispišu” uspomene zajedno sa vama, odvedite ih na bilo koju od ovih destinacija.

Pozivamo vas da u odmaralištu Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® rizortu u Dominikanskoj Republici, otkrijete novu vrstu odmora za sve uzraste. Ovde će podjednako uživati deca, mame i tate, a zašto da ne i bake i deke.

Od igrališta Aqua Nick, do luksuznog spa centra, ovde svaki gost doživljava avanturu koja se pamti za ceo život.

Ovo je prvi hotel takve vrste na Karibima i svetu, destinacija za odmor sa pet zvezdica, koja donosi duh beskonačne igre u svakom trenutku vašeg boravka. Sledeće godine se u Meksiku otvara novi Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya.

Rizort ima 208 velikih apartmana ispunjenih udobnim sadržajima koji zadovoljavaju različite ukuse i potrebe. Glamurozni i prostrani apartmani, jedinstvena Ananas vila, i širok dijapazon luksuznih smeštaja, imaju zabavan dekor koji raspamećuje decu, a i odrasli podetinje. Ko živi u ananasu na dnu mora?  Sunđer Bob Kocklone, reći će vam sva deca u glas. Zamislite njihovo oduševljenje kad shvate da će biti smešteni u Ananas vili koja je ista kao ona u kojoj živi njihov omiljeni junak. Ananas sa 2 spavaće sobe i 3 kupatila ima sve moderne sadržaje i luksuzni smeštaj koji se nalaze u Super Vili, ali sa jedinstvenim obrtom: svi koji uđu odmah su uronjeni u svet Sunđer Boba.

Personalizovana usluga je u srcu Karisma filozofije. Ljubazno osoblje strpljivo čeka da ispuni svaki vaš kapric, u nameri da vaš boravak bude ispunjen srećnim iznenađenjima. Opustite se i uživajte na zlatnom peskom plaže Uvero Alto, samo 40km severno od aerodroma Punta Cana. Vaša porodica nikada neće zaboraviti šarene tobogane i bazene, druženje sa svojim omiljenim likovima Nickelodeona, Sunđer Bobom i urnebesnim Garijem...

Nova definicija zabave i užitka

Do sada ste verovatno bili u prilici da uživate u usluzi all-inclusive, ali kada to radi Karisma, onda je to Karisma Gourmet Inclusive®. A to je verujte na reč, više od uživanja u ukusnoj hrani. Omogućen vam je pristup akva aerobiku, plesu, ronjenju, ribolovu, obilasku ostrva, snorkelingu, golfu i gotovo bilo kojoj aktivnosti koja vam padne napamet.

Kada boravite u Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, sledeće usluge i sadržaji su uvek uključeni: room servis 24h, personalni konsijerž servis, dečiji klub, sauna, parno kupatilo, teniski tereni sa opremom, neograničena alkoholna i bezalkoholna lokalna i pića premijum brendova i još mnogo toga...

Gurmani pronalaze strast u svakom raskošnom zalogaju, a kuvari koriste domaće začine i dobro pripremljene sastojke za kreiranje maštovitih jela. Uz Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® iskustvo, svaki ukusni trenutak je čist hedonizam.

Roditelje koji dolaze s malom decom i bebama obradovaće mnoge stvari koje su im na raspolaganju besplatno tokom boravka:dečija kolica, krevetci, paketi za igru, sterilizatori za flašice i još mnogo toga što će vaše putovanje i boravak učiniti lakšim i bezbrižnijim.

Taman kada pomislite da ste u raju i da nema šanse da vas osoblje još više razmazi nekom novom uslugom, možda je dobro da napomenemo da vam je na raspolaganju i usluga batlera na plaži. A to znači da će vam poručeni Mohito stići baš sa onoliko limete i nane, koliko volite.

Neka zabava počne!

Za više informacija pozovite telefon: 011 400 2 333 ili posetite:https://www.karismahotels.com/nickelodeon-hotels-resorts/

Preuzeto sa portala Blic.rs

[karismaadriatic]

Karisma hoteli - slagalica uspomena, doživljaja i odmora po vašoj meri

Kako zamišljate odmor iz snova? Verujemo da opis vašeg idiličnog kadra iz glave, sadrži peščane plaže, tirkizno more,  palme, superluksuzni smeštaj i ispijanje koktela iz prepolovljenog kokosovog oraha.

Ali, putovanje iz snova je mnogo više od lenjog izležavanja na pesku, sunčanja i uživanja u hrani. Smisao putovanja iz snova je bekstvo od svakodnevne rutine i uživanje u stvarima koje volite ili u isprobavanju nekih novih aktivnosti o kojima ste oduvek maštali.

Da biste odlučili koju destinaciju morate posetititi, ona mora imati „ono nešto“, faktor koji kreira trajna sećanja.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts jedna je od vodećih hotelijerskih grupacija u svetu koja postoji već 20 godina, s prvim otvorenim odmaralištem u Meksiku, a poznata je po svom inovativnom pristupu, postavljajući nove standarde u ponudi odmora, sa fokusom na kompletan užitak gostiju i održivom razvoju koji karakteriše svih 6 svetskih destinacija, gde poseduje hotele. 

Karisma nudi luksuz koji pomera granice u svakom smislu, usluge koje će vas razmaziti, vrhunski dizajn koji pruža komfor, privatnost... Jednostavno, koju god destinaciju da odaberete - dobijate osećaj da vam je svet pod nogama!

Otkrićete vodene sportove na nekim od najboljih svetskih plaža, uživaćete u časovima kuvanja, joge ili jahanja, a beauty, relax i fitness zone, pomoći će vam da postignete ili održite optimalno zdravlje i fit formu. Posebno osmišljeni izleti, uvući će vas u lokalnu istoriju i kulturu, dok će najmlađi članovi vaše porodice biti raspamećeni tematskim hotelima omiljenih crtanih junaka.

Prva pomisao kada kročite u neki od smeštajnih kapaciteta Karisma hotela, je da sa tog mesta ne želite da odete. Taj osećaj “na prvu loptu” je toliko obuzimajući, da vam se zaista ne ide kući, iako ste tek stigli.

Od otvorenog pogleda na okean, do bujnih tropskih vrtova, na raspolaganju vam je veliki izbor luksuznih smeštaja koji zadovoljava i najkapricioznije goste, o čemu svedoče prvenstveno zadovoljni gosti, ali i brojne nagrade i priznanja poput prestižne AAA 4 Diamonds.

Tako na primer Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® iskustvo pruža gostima luksuzan odmor koji je jednako ukusan kao i nezaboravan. To je obećanje da će kuhinja biti savršena, smeštaj superioran sa premijum sadržajima, usluga iznad očekivanja, i ekskluzivne aktivnosti dizajnirane da stvore trajna sećanja.

Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® iskustvo redefiniše luksuzan odmor, pružajući sveobuhvatno iskustvo prožeto domišljatošću, autentičnošću i strašću.

Karisma je posvećena tome da svaki obrok bude magično iskustvo. Zato su ponosni partneri sa Canadian Beef, premijum govedinom koja donosi dubinu ukusa i kvaliteta koju možete da probate u svakom zalogaju.

Jedina stvar koja je bolja od izvrsno pripremljenog jela je savršena čaša vina - umetnost sama po sebi. Zato je Karisma u partnerstvu s Jackson Family Wines, brendu poznatom po izradi nagrađivanih vina s naglašenim karakterom i kvalitetom.  Njihov portfolio obuhvata više od 40 renomiranih vinarija uključujući brendove kao što su Cardinale, Freemark Abbey i La Crema.

I dok se leto približava, nema boljeg vremena za početak istraživanja gde ćete  osigurati svoju ekstra dozu vitamina D. Od Crne Gore, Hrvatske, Dominikane, Jamajke, Kolumbije pa sve do Meksika, Karisma vam nudi mnogobrojne destinacije i hotele.

Vaše je samo da odlučite koji tip odmora i iskustva zelite, mada odluka gde da otputujete kada je Karisma u pitanju donosi „slatke muke.“

Za više informacija pozovite telefon: 011 400 2 333 ili posetite: https://karismahotels.com 

Preuzeto sa portala Blic.rs

[karismaadriatic]

Malacological Museum in Makarska

Malacological Museum - founded by Fra Jure Radic in 1963, this magnificent display of snails and shellfish of the Adriatic and the whole world is today the best-known malacological collection in Croatia. Besides the Fra Jure Radic malacological collection, the museum also has a fine herbarium of Biokovo plants, and a small local palaeontological collection.

The Malacological Museum in Makarska displays the shells of sea moluscs. This museum resulted from the systematic and self-sacrificing work of the theologian and natural scientist Fra Jure Radic and the support and cooperation of many people, scholars, museum workers, collectors, and especially his faithful colleague Fra Franjo Carev.

They worked under the slogan: "By the People - To the People - For the People". The museum was opened to the public on 30th April 1963 in the old part of the Franciscan Monastery, which is under protection as a cultural monument. 

Over 3,000 shells include not only those from the Adriatic, but also many species from tropical and subtropical seas, in color, and shape the most magnificent collection of all shells.

Contact info:

Address

Franjevački put 1, 21300, Makarska, Croatia

Phone

: +385 21 611 256

Working hours:

Thursday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Friday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Saturday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Sunday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Monday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Tuesday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM Wednesday 10AM–12PM; 5–7PM

[karismaadriatic]

KITEHOLIDAYS IN MONTENEGRO

MONTENEGRO: THE NEW KITESURF HOT-SPOT IN EUROPE

Unique spot with a 14km long sandy beach and super steady side-onshore thermal wind. 

All of that less than a two hours flight away and with incredibly friendly locals, a fresh Mediterranean cuisine and with loads of other alternative activities. 

The perfect place for families or a bunch of friends wanting to have an awesome time.

Stunning scenery, friendly people, huge, sandy beaches, steady wind conditions due to a thermal effect. It's the third year that KiteWorldWide offers kitesurf holidays to Ulcinj in Montenegro. 

KiteWorldWide Best Pro Center expect you with international instructors and brand new gear from Best Kiteboarding. Season starts in May and is on until September.

KiteWorldWide offers:

+ Season Opening Party Weekend May 25th to May 28th + Foilboarding lessons! + Very high wind probabilty due to reliable thermal wind systems + Only about three flying hours away + Huge sandy beach with waist deep water + KiteWorldWide Center + KiteWorldWide Kite house + KiteWorldWide Guide on site + Season from May until September

Find more in English: https://www.kiteworldwide.com/en/kiteholidays/ulcinj-montenegro/ 

in German: https://www.kiteworldwide.com/kitereisen/kiteurlaub-montenegro/

[karismaadriatic]

Taste Montenegro > FISH: Grouper in Chestnut Sauce

About Dusky Grouper:

Epinephelus marginatus (dusky grouper, merou) is the best known grouper of the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa coast.

Also known as Sea Bass, Rockcods, Cods, Hinds, Trouts, Dusky Perch, Dusky Seaperch, Yellowbelly Grouper, Yellowbelly Rockcod

The dusky grouper has a big body with a big mouth. One long dorsal fin and a rounded tail. Its color varies from brown to green depending on the season and the age. It is green during its juvenile phase. The adult is upper brown with yellow spots and lower yellow. On the operculum there are three spines.

Recipe

Grouper in Chestnut Sauce

Ingredients:

Grouper

Salt

Olive oil

Onions

Shallots

Rosé Wine

Wine vinegar

Cooked tomato

Fish stock

Orange zest

Chestnuts

Flour

Eggs

Basil leaves

Dried bread

Preparation:

Sprinkle salt over the grouper, coat it with olive oil, and fry in hot oil. Put it in another bowl.

Fry the finely chopped onions. Pour in the wine vinegar, cooked tomato, fish stock and orange zest. Bring to the boil. Carefully add the fried pieces of fish and peeled roasted chestnuts, part in halves and the other part finely chopped. Stew briefly. Make dough of flour, eggs, olive oil and finely chopped basil. Make wide noodles - strace. Cook them, drain, and mix them with fried dried bread crumbs. Arrange the prepared grouper in a dish with its own sauce and the noodles. 

Source: Taste Montenegro, Podgorica 2016

[karismaadriatic]

Blue Cave and Hvar Full-Day Tour from Split

Source: GetYourGuide.com

Experience the flickering lights of the Blue Cave in Hvar on a full-day tour from Split. Take a dip in the emerald waters inside the Green Cave. Explore the magnificent underwater world at Budikovac Island, before enjoying snacks at Palmižana Bay.

What's Included

Free pick-up from selected hotels

Snorkeling gear

Water/windproof jacket

Entrance fee to the Blue Cave

Insurance

Safety equipment

Water

Source: GetYourGuide.com

The Blue Cave is one of Croatia's natural wonders.

In order to make your trip as comfortable as possible, bring a hat, sun-screen, and comfortable shoes

Wear casual and light clothes. Water/windproof jackets will be provided

This tour is not recommended for children under 3 years

Source: GetYourGuide.com

What Other People Are Saying:

An outstanding trip -one to be treasured and recommended to others!

Our safety and comfort was checked throughout the day -our crew were engaged and professional. The crew gave us choices to ensure we had an excellent, memorable day - one to be treasured and recommended to others!...Thank-you!

Reviewed by John – United Kingdom, 10/10/2016

Source: Get Your Guide The world’s largest online platform for booking tours, attractions and activities.

[karismaadriatic]

Olives – A Thousand-year-old Trees

Old Lady from Mirovica (near Bar) Natural monument protected by law since 1957. Over 2000 years old Olive Tree and one of the oldest in this part of Europe.

When this ancient plant offered its first branch and was slowly growing up into a young tree, the lions were slowly disappearing from the territory of Western Europe, the Roman Empire was at its peak, Arena in Pula was built and two major world religions emerged – Buddhism and Christianity.

For more than 2000 years, old olive has witnessed history. Its exceptionally long life, which continues to be crowned each year with the fruit of exceptional quality, makes this plant one of the oldest in the world.

When I visited Old Bar on the Montenegrin seaside, the townspeople proudly showed me their olive groves on the hills around the town. Those are the gardens of a row of generations. Most of the olive trees in this area, and in the whole Montenegrin seaside are a hundred, two hundred, or even five hundred years old, and some are older still.

One should know that an olive tree can live for a thousand years and sometimes even longer. The one which is over two thousand years old dwells by the road leading from Bar to Ulcinj! Experts have confirmed its age and marked it as the oldest tree in Europe. It is huge indeed, with a trunk about ten meters in circumference. This olive, as a unique tree on the continent, is fenced and under protection of the state. Tourists gladly visit this olive and take photos under its treetop. On its still green branches fruits are sparse, but it is, still, the most expensive tree in Europe. Experts from Rome used to offer as much as a few million lira for it. They planned to root it out completely and take to Rome in order to decorate and enrich a botanical garden of their own.

But this old “lady” is not only olive tree here; there are many more of them, and all provide shelter from the hot and steamy summer days under their dense crowns, both for tourists and local people. Old olive groves often inspire poets and painters who come to the Montenegrin seaside in the summer time. They sing to them, make paintings and take these canvases with them as souvenirs. In fact, many of old olive trees are songs, stories and memories themselves, both of their own and of the human past. Very often, a hundred, five-hundred, and a thousand-year-old olive trees receive personal names: Đuro’s, Radun’s, Todor’s, Risto’s, Periša’s. They are named thus after the individuals who planted them: Đuro, Radun, Todor… Who knows when? They planted olives on hills, stone terraces and valleys and these long-lasting trees have preserved their names in return. That is how olives became the monuments of their past owners and it seems as if they are telling the stories of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers to the younger generations. That fact is that a man who plants an olive does not do it for himself but for his sons, grandsons and great-grandchildren. Olives grow slowly, and one has to wait long for them to fruit. Its fruits begin to grow and mature after the first thirteen years of a tree’s life.

As years go by, the tree develops, bearing constantly richer crops. It grows wider, and puts forth new branches. They give the best crop when they are about a hundred years old. But fruits grow and mature even at two hundred years and more. And, eventually, years and centuries pass by, the olives get old, and only few spring flowers and autumn fruits can be found in their branches.

The stories and legends about olive growing are told even today. They are usually connected to encounters and meetings of boy and girls. A story tells that in the medieval times there was a law preventing a young man from getting married unless he had planted at least ten olives. That was the reason for which boys grew these long-living trees with special care and attention – they cherished them, made small terraces around their roots, dug up the soil, fertilized it. In winter they wrapped up young plants with linen or straw to protect them from the frost that used to come down from the hills of Lovćen and Rumija. It was customary to plant two seedlings in the ground. Even today, when you go through these olive groves you often see two olives growing one by the other. At their treetops the branches are intertwined so that they seem to hug each other. This possibly explains why many people call the olive the fruit of love and future. Olive trees have always been believed to bring their owners not only fruits, but also love, good luck and longevity.

The symbolism of an olive branch dates back as far as the 5th Century, and over time has held significance in a multitude of cultures. This week’s top 5 introduces the various meanings behind our beloved olive trees.

VICTORY Even though the origins of an olive branch as a symbol of peace lie in ancient Greek mythology, its symbol of victory was also prolific during the same period. It was Athena’s victory over Poseiden when she was awarded possession of Athens by the court of the gods & goddesses after she planted the first olive tree. Such a gift to the land was far better a gesture than that of Poseidon’s dramatic attempts.

WISDOM Furthermore, as the goddess of wisdom in ancient Greek mythology, Athena’s gesture to claim and successful acquire the possession of Athens through planting the first olive tree, has since associated the olive branch with The Tree of Wisdom.

PEACE With a strong symbolism of peace in Christianity, the olive branch was noted for it’s same significance across many other cultures & religions. Our favourite peace signifier of the olive branch is that which originates from times of war. Because of it’s slow growth and not being cultivated during war time, olive trees were considered as “peace-time trees”.

FERTILITY In folk tradition of Greek medicine olive oil was considered to be an aphrodisiac. The new year’s olive oil harvest was gifted in the shape of bread to young couples as an antidote to sterility.

HOPE In the Old Testament a dove returns to Noah’s ark with an olive branch, as a symbol of hope to the people at the end of the great flood.

Source: LIKE MONTENEGRO http://www.likemontenegro.me/old-lady-from-mirovica/

This noble tree is grown not only on the Montenegrin Coast but also all over the Mediterranean Shore. Sailors used to tell me that chains of olive trees create a huge green garland around the azure seawater all the way from Egypt to Istria. However, in the northern part of the Adriatic Coast olives are far less grown than in the southern, which is conditioned by the air temperature. Regions with hot summers and mild winters provide the best conditions for olive growing. Therefore, the most convenient climate for them is to the south of Dubrovnik, and the real olive “homeland” stretches exactly across the Montenegrin Shore.

This area has not only a suitable climate, but also and ideal soil structure for them. Olives prefer mild clay and loose soil containing higher amount of limestone and this is exactly the composition of Montenegrin seaside land.

According to statistics, there are over 550,000 olive trees on the Montenegrin coast. This means that the olive production is the most widespread fruit-growing business in this region. Ulcinj’s plantation has the best olive groves constantly records bumper crops. When I visited this property, the olive picking was in its prime. The pickers were mostly girls and young women.

Olive picking in this area is much like grape-picking at vine-growing regions. The only difference is that men take a minor role. They load bags and panniers, and after carrying their burdens from the olive groves, load them onto the donkeys, horses or vehicles which will carry them to the ‘ransom stations’.

Israeli and Palestinian olive harvesters in the village of Qafin, northern West Bank, Palestine Author: Orrling, Source: Commons.Wikimedia

The picking season lasts a long time, sometimes running from the middle of September to the end of February, especially when weather forecast is for sunny autumn and mild winter. Slow picking makes for a higher income, because it allows the fruit to mature gradually, as is natural.

But, when the olive yield is abundant all this effort is repaid tenfold. From one hundred kilograms of olives 20 kilograms of first class oil can be extracted. Unrefined olive is used for various spices and as winter food. The sorts most often used for this purpose are drobnica and oskulenka olives, while the žutica, oblica and levantinka varieties are better for oil. Oblica and žutica are the most prolific, and for this reason they are most extensively grown. It is reckoned that from the olive groves of the Montenegrin seaside about one million kilograms of oil are extracted each year. 

This figure best shows how much benefit the population can gain from this ancient fruit. For this reason extension and improvement of olive groves are permanently under way. Community farms and agriculture cooperatives, as well as individual farms, progressively apply scientific farming methods in cultivation of olive groves are permanently under way. Community farms and agriculture cooperatives, as well as individual farms, progressively apply scientific farming methods in cultivation of olive groves, particularly in Ulcinj and Bar districts.

Text taken from: Traveling Through Montenegro, Draško Šćekić

[karismaadriatic]

Zipline Adventure near Omis

How does the idea of hanging of a 150 meters high steel wire above the beautiful canyon of the river Cetina sounds like? And when I would tell you that during that you can reach the speed of 65 km per hour? Impressive, isn't it?

Zipline is located 5 km from Omis, in the beautiful canyon of the Cetina River and consists of eight wires total length of 2100m.

Depending on the size of the group, zipline gives you up to three hours of unforgettable fun and beautiful nature. Every group is accompanied by two guides.

The three hours long Zipline adventure will offer you a chance to move away form a daily stress and citiy noise and a chance to experience the nature with all your senses.

Have a whole new experience and adventure you will never forget. With a help of some great entertainment, enjoy the natural beauty of Omis area.

It is recommended to book at least 2 days before (you can also do it via e-mail or GSM) and for larger groups even a week in advance.

Price: 400,00 HRK, VAT includeed in the price

For groups: One group consists of 2-15 guests, accompanied by two qualified guides.

Minimum age is 7 years 

Maximum weight fee is 130 kg.

It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear for walking in nature and to bring water (1 liter).

Each guest before departure signes "RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY STATEMENT for the activity Zipline – steel rope gliding" For ages 7-18 years parents must sign "PARENT’S CONSENT to the participation of minors in the Zipline activity” Considering the child's age, the guide will decide whether they should go for the steel rope in his entourage (tandem). In one group can only be two children in tandem with a guide.

Price includes:

transport from the agency (in Omis) to the start position and back 

complete equipment (helmet, safety belt, gloves, backpack) 

professional guides 

injury insurance

Transfer to Omis is not included in the price. Contact ZIPLINE-CROATIA in order to organise your transfer to the starting point.

CONTACT DETAILS:

GSM: +385 (0) 95 82 22 221 Phone: +385 (0) 21 756 961 E-mail: zipline.croatia@gmail.com

More information you can find on http://zipline-croatia.com

[karismaadriatic]

Dubrovnik: 1.5-Hour Game of Thrones Walking Tour

You are a fan of Game of Thrones?

Then you should definitely visit one of the stunning filming locations in Croatia - Dubrovnik - aka King’s Landing

Explore Dubrovnik through the filming locations of "Game of Thrones." Experience the real "King's Landing" first-hand and look at a book that details each scene and location as you visit them. Go to sites in the old town and to the Fort of St. Lawrence.

What You'll Do

Discover the real "King's Landing" in Dubrovnik

Visit location sites with a "Game of Thrones" fan

Look at a book that details locations and scenes from the hit TV series

Go to the Fort of St. Lawrence

What to Expect

Follow in the footsteps of your favorite "Game Of Thrones" characters and discover what the real "King's Landing" looks like.

Dubrovnik was selected as the location set for the hit HBO TV series in seasons 2 to 5 (and some of season 6). Your guide is licensed by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, fluent in English, and a big "Game of Thrones" fan. In addition to sites in the walled old town, visit the Fort of St. Lawrence.

As you journey to each location, look at a book of photos from the series that explains the scenes and locations where filming took place.

What's Included

Guided walk

Local guide

What's Not Included

Admission fee to the Fort of St. Lawrence is 50 KN per person (€7 per person) or free if you have a valid ticket for the city walls. To be paid at the fort entrance in Kunas or by credit card

Gratuities (optional)

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 1 day in advance for a full refundMeeting Point

Meeting point

Meet in front of the Sky Bar (formerly "Fuego"), by the bus stop in the Pile area of Dubrovnik. Pile is the last bus/taxi stop heading towards the Old Town.

By https://www.getyourguide.com 

Image by boredpanda.com

Find more about filming locations:

All GOT locations: http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Filming_locations

From Iceland to Morocco, the real-life locations of ‘Game of Thrones’ - by Ana Swanson: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/06/08/from-iceland-to-morocco-the-real-life-locations-of-game-of-thrones/?tid=ss_pin&utm_term=.42f08dad75a7

Get a Look at Exclusive Photos From Season 7

http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/get-look-exclusive-photos-game-of-thrones-season-7

Game of Thrones official Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQzdMyuz0Lf4zo4uGcEujFw

Here you can find the majority of Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik including related episodes.

https://youtu.be/eExP1U_pzFQ - by Day trip and map

The video tells you for every location: 1. The Episode of GOT 2. The exact location 3. A map of the city

Check the map with all the “Game of Thrones” locations in Dubrovnik Old Town: http://bit.ly/2p9hvyg - by Google My Maps

[karismaadriatic]

Montenegro: The old and the new Bar

Bar is really two towns: the old and the new Bar. Between them is spread the spacious Bar Valley, covered with hundred-year old olive groves, and orchards of pomegranates, almonds, oranges, mandarins, and other Mediterranean fruits. In the middle of the field there is a crossroad for two Bars: the Old and the New. The old one is on the hillsides of Rumija, and the New is on the coast.

Old Bar, its oldest part, is situated on the plateau of Londža, protected by a cliff, inaccessible from three sides, providing a natural shield to the town. The inaccessible cliff and the plentiful springs of potable water seem to be the most important reasons for which Old Bar – unlike other towns at the seaside – has always stayed where it is now: about 6 km away from the coast.

The first mention of Old Bar is in a 9th century document under the name of Antivari. A written document from the 10th century refers to it as Antibaeros. The Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porfirogenitus mentions the town in the 11th century. Its first foundations were probably laid by the Byzantines, but it is assumed that there was previously a Roman castle on the site.

It has known a number of rulers and masters.

At the end of the 10th and at the beginning of the 11th century it was under the Byzantines. In 1042, after defeating a Byzantine army, Prince Stefan Vojislav took it over. Several years later, in 1067, its administration was seized by Zeta and Zeta’s Lord of the Manor, Mihailo, accepted royal symbols in Bar’s episcopy and thus became king. In 1089, King Bodin turned Bar’s episcopy into an archiepiscopy. Since that year until the middle of the 14th century it remained within the state of Zeta. During that period it attained its greatest prosperity, but as Zeta’s power decreased so did Bar’s. During the 15th century there reigned different rulers: the Balšić family, Venice, Despot Stefan Lazarević, Đorđe Vukčić. The Turks conquered it in 1571 and held it for three centuries until 1878, when Montenegrin army liberated it. In the course of this battle the Montenegrin artillery was forced to pull down and destroy most of Old town. The town and its tower survived a devastating gunpowder explosion in 1881. A similar explosion devastated the town in 1912.

However, even after the destruction of the oldest part of Bar, the life of the town did not fade away. It went on outside the fortress’s ramparts. Across the hills below these bulwarks a new settlement was born, with the welcoming shops of tradesmen and craftsmen.

There are remnants of about 240 buildings on the plateau Londža inside the walls, old buildings, streets, squares, wells and cisterns and other objects the old city once had that attract not only tourists but also scientific researchers. Visitors to Old Bar will certainly retain lively memories of an unforgettable view from the fort walls on the green Bar’s field, New Bar, the harbour. This is open to sea on one side, while on the other, the mountain massifs of Rumija, Sutorman and Sozin surround it like a wreath and prospect its rear.

New Bar emerged close to the coast and quay at the beginning of the 20th century. For this reason people call it Pristan (Quay), but Ministry Council of the Principality of Montenegro decided on 24th of April 1908 that this town should be called Bar (and not Pristan or New Town). This decision also stipulated that the name Old Bar should be retained for the buildings leaning on the walls of Old Town.

That same year a parchment bearing signatures of Prince Nikola and several Montenegrin leaders was sealed into the foundation of the new town of Bar. It was a ceremonious occasion, and Prince Nikola delivered an appropriate speech. On that occasion, the Montenegrin rule said, as reported in „The Voice of Montenegro“ (edition of April 26th 1908):

„I was amazed by its beauty and astonished by this wonderful region which seems to me to be one of the most beautiful places I have seen in the world. And then, when I returned my sabre in its sheath, I gave my word that my hand would join with nature’s hand in order to make my Bar and its surroundings beautiful and prosperous… It would be a crime to leave it deserted, when God created it so lovely. My Bar is rich with wheat, oil and wine, and its fortunate climate appeals both to a highlander and to a coastal dweller. It will be hard, but not impossible, to make it suitable for industry. Look at this pier that extends 200 meters from the middle of Volujica to the north. This pier will stop the fury of the Adriatic, and behind it, in a quiet and reliable shelter, the goods, tradesmen and passengers will be able to board their ships in safety. To this pier will come many ships under all sorts of possible flags, to bring industry and education of the world to us…

Photo by Dragan Sremac [Panoramio]

He went on to say the following:

“Even now, through the gloomy heart of Sutorman, a railway can go – that carrier of progress and prosperity. Its passage through Sutorman reinforces our hope that we will soon be able to send help to our brothers around the Danube, so as to get to know each other better, to promote our culture and prepare ourselves to forge an even stronger peace – the aim of all large and cultivated nations…”

Ever since then, the Principality of Montenegro has devoted a great deal of attention to Bar. Prince Nikola, who became king on 15th of August 1910, spent a lot of time there, resting and working in his beautiful seaside castle in Topolica. There he received foreign delegations who arrived in the harbour of Bar by boat, only to proceed to Cetinje afterwards. That is why Bar, thanks to the harbour and Topolica Castle, was regarded as the second capital of Montenegro until 1916.

Knowledgeable persons say that the Kingdom of Montenegro, had the will and potential to offer considerable help towards the development of Bar, but their efforts were blocked by The First World War and occupation.

The hiatus in the construction of Bar lasted 36 years. In fact, its planned construction began in 1952 with building of a new harbour and a new town. Bar harbour was built under the hill Volujica, on the exact spot from where the pier extended which Prince Nikola referred to in April 1908, whereas Bar was erected on Topolica, near the prince’s castle. Today, the town and the harbour offer a breath-taking view to sailors, business people and tourists who arrive here.

The harbour of Bar is the most modern and the most beautiful harbour in the Adriatic Sea. The second stage of its construction was formally finished in 1978 when it was certified for five million tonnes turnover of goods per year.

Bar is a tourist town as well as a seaport. It has several kilometres of wide sand beaches. They begin at the very centre, right from the marina, and continue with only small breaks all the way to Sutomore. The beaches and hotels of Sutomore are also widely known. The same may be said of Čanj, a spacious sandy beach in a picturesque valley with a tourist settlement and comfortable hotels.

In summer, several thousand domestic and foreign tourists stay in the Bar region. They find accommodation not only in comfortable hotels and campsites, but also in private houses to let.

WindRose Resort by Karisma

Text by Draško Šćekić, “Traveling Through Montenegro” 2009

Old and New Bar in images on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lYGwAmqqEDY

[karismaadriatic]

Packing tips

Whether you're packing for a weekend city break or a two week beach holiday, these are all of the tips you'll ever need for stress-free packing. Take our advice and start your holiday happier!

1. Make a packing list

Worried you might have left something essential at home? Passport? Check. Toothbrush? Check. Favorite teddy bear? Oh dear, that's six hours of entertainment you've now got to supply...For peace of mind on what to pack, print off our holiday packing list which is full of the everyday holiday essentials. There is also space for you to add your own personal items as well.

How to pack clothes

2. Avoid stains

Ever packed light clothes and found a stain on them when you arrived? Never have this problem again. Firstly you should always make sure your light colored clothes are packed inside out, and secondly, hold on to hotel disposable shower caps and use them to cover the base of your shoes.

3. Roll and vacuum pack

Don't arrive at your holiday destination and be faced with a pile of ironing. To save space and stop creasing, roll your clothes instead of folding them, then place them in vacuum compression bags. To use these bags, put your clothes in, seal the bag, and then squeeze the air out. This will leave you with lots more space in your suitcase and will prevent creases more effectively than folding.

4. Cube your clothes

Another good packing solution idea is packing cubes - these help separate your different items and access things more quickly.

5. Fill dead space

When it comes to packing, you need to make use of every little inch of suitcase space that you can. Roll tops, underwear, socks and other small items and stuff them into your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.

6. Stay fresh

It's important to keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially if you're on a long trip. By taking a small bag of potpourri, fabric conditioner sheets or scented drawer liners, you'll keep your clothes smelling sweet throughout the trip.

How to pack gadgets

7. Ziplock bags

How do you usually organize all of your electronics, cables, and those fiddly bits that take you ages to dig out at security? Stuff them in like the rest of us? Well, if you want to organize your packing then get yourself a stash of zip lock bags. Phone charger, camera charger, adapters, headphones - take extra plastic bags (the same ones you'd use for hand luggage liquids) and use them to store electrical items, things for the journey home (house keys, parking ticket and car keys), medication and other loose accessories.

How to pack make-up

8. Cotton wool

Here's one for the ladies. To prevent your pressed powder or eye shadow from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton wool pad in between the pressed powder and the lid.

How to pack books

 9. Don't bring the whole thing

Rather than bringing heavy guide books, photocopy the essential pages that you will need. It'll save space and reduce weight. Alternatively, get yourself an e-book reader and just download the book instead.

How to keep valuables safe

10. Empty bottles and tubes

To avoid the worst case scenario of being robbed, it's best to be inconspicuous and avoid flashing the cash. If you're on the beach and you really must go for a swim, hide your money in an empty sun tan lotion container. You could also use empty lip balm containers to hide rolled up notes.

 How to prevent liquid leaks

 11. Cling-film

You open your suitcase and get a whiff of jojoba and lavender, before realising that your entire suitcase contents is coated in a thick, gooey layer of shampoo. We've all discovered the disastrous liquid leak in our luggage when we arrive at our destination. To prevent this, take the lids off liquid bottles and add a layer of cling-film to the neck of the container before replacing the lid. Then use clear tape to seal the gap where the lid joins the container. Now you can travel without the worry of any spills.

 How to avoid extra baggage fees

 12. Weigh your luggage

This is the secret weapon to help you avoid being charged unnecessary fees at the airport. Invest in some luggage scales and make sure you weigh your bags on both legs of the journey to see how close you are to reaching the weight limit. If you're close to the limit, consider wearing some of the heavier items or cutting down on what you pack in the first place (especially when it comes to heavy toiletries as you can just buy them at your destination).

Now that you are all packed you are good to go and enjoy your cocktail with the view! Welcome!

[karismaadriatic]

8 Things to do in Dubrovnik

With its historical old town, lovely pebbly beaches, tiny islands in the vicinity, and wine growing Konavle valley, Dubrovnik is one of the best known, and most visited towns in Croatia. It’s a perfect place to visit either for a day, or longer.

Here are 8 things you should definitely do when you visit this beautiful city!

The City Walls

Because they are incredible, and because you ought to!

Dubrovnik defensive walls encircle the entire old town of Dubrovnik. Two kilometers long, and consisting of 17 towers, 5 bastions, two corner fortifications, and the St. John Fortress, they are Dubrovnik’s main attraction.

City walls date back to 13th century, although the walls were also constantly reinforced in later years.

A walk along the city walls is one of the things to do in Dubrovnik that every visitor should do.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Because views are great! A cable car takes you from downtown Dubrovnik 778 m up to the Mount Srd. The ride takes less than 5 minutes. Views from the top over the old town are wonderful. There is a cafe/bistro where you can have a drink or a bite while enjoying the views.

Game of Thrones tour

This tour isn’t only for die-hard Game of Thrones fans. This walking tour of Dubrovnik takes you to many filming locations of HBO series Game of Thrones. Guides on these tours have all been extras on sets, and can tell few anecdotes from behind the scene.

Have a drink at Dubrovnik cliff bar

Buza 1 and Buza 2 are two tiny bars located on the cliffs at the outer edge of the city walls. Both Dubrovnik cliff bars are extremely popular throughout the day.

Have a drink, cliff jump in blue Adriatic, or watch the sun sets over the sea.

Explore Dubrovnik museums

Dubrovnik is full of history, apparent at every corner of the old town. But the town also features many interesting museums worth exploring.

 Our favorite museum is the Ethnographic museum Rupe. Tucked away in the back streets of the old town, and housed in the ancient granary, the Rupe museum features over 5.000 pieces showcasing Dubrovnik social life, customs and traditions of its people throughout the history.

A Dominican Monastery also houses important artworks from ancient Dubrovnik. A monastery has wonderful architecture, especially a cloister featuring splendid stonework, and lovely landscaped garden.

The tower Gornji Ugao was an original cannon foundry. It spreads on over 600 m2, and it has preserved all parts of the production process. The museum is super interesting, and the guide – Divo makes a visit really worthwhile.

Old town port

A lovely old port is located in the southern end of the city walls. Today it harbors small, leisure boats, and it’s a great place to relax and watch the world go by.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Dubrovnik Cathedral or the Church of the Assumption, is actually the third church built on the site. The first, a Byzantine-style building, was constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries, before a Romanesque church replaced it in the 12th century. Then, the 1667 earthquake wrecked the structure. The final incarnation assumed the Baroque fashion soon after. Aside from the architecture, the artwork is of particular note, which includes Titian's The Assumption at the main altar.

Cruise Elafiti Islands

Elafiti Islands is a small archipelago off the coast of Dubrovnik. The archipelago consists of several islands, but only three of them are inhabited: Kalamota, Lopud, and Sipan.

All three islands are small, each with only a couple of settlements. Lopud and Kalamota are both car-free. Elafiti are nice to visit if you like sandy beaches (Lopud’s Sunj beach is one of the rare sandy beaches in the area), if you like hiking, or if you look for a special place to dine out with your significant one (Kalamota’s Villa Rose has an awesome seafront terrace, and offers yummy seafood).

Check our Easter special for Sensimar Kalamota Island Resort: http://karismaadriatic.com/Specials