The dazzling jewels of Dalmatia await

The Advertiser

13 hours ago

Brought to you by Bunnik Tours.
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines with soaring mountains and cliffs, and medieval towns, the region of Dalmatia has long been at the top of the list of favourite destinations for all kinds of travellers.
Stretching along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, including countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, Dalmatia lures with its history, breathtaking beaches and islands, national parks, renowned world-heritage-listed sites, and delicious food and wine.
It's this captivating blend that's made Dalmatia a beloved destination for passionate global traveller Dennis Bunnik, one of the directors of Bunnik Tours, the family-owned Australian company his mum Marion founded 30 years ago.
Mr Bunnik first visited Dalmatia 38 years ago as a young backpacker. He's returned numerous times and led many of Bunnik Tours' popular small group tours to the region, sharing his experience with fellow travellers.
"It was still Yugoslavia when I first went there," Mr Bunnik said. "I spent three weeks travelling slowly up the coast from Dubrovnik to Split and then inland to the Plitvice Lakes. I absolutely fell in love with the landscapes, the food and the lifestyle.
"The coast of Croatia is stunning, with mountains and cliffs running down into the blue waters of the Adriatic. Old towns and ancient cities abound, and the coast is dotted with islands. It's a summer paradise with beaches, marinas and waterfront restaurants, which gives the whole coast that instant relaxed holiday feel."
Bunnik Tours' Jewels of Dalmatia tour offers the chance to explore the region as part of a group of no more than 20 others. It's full of authentic experiences designed to immerse travellers in the culture, food and beauty of the region and deliver more meaningful moments of connection with the countries visited.
The 22-day tour takes you on an adventure through Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll lose yourself wandering cobblestoned lanes as you explore fascinating Dubrovnik and Hvar, revel in the romance of Lake Bled and the Plitvice Lakes, watch as daredevils leap from Mostar's Old Bridge, cruise on the jaw-droppingly beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea, and make some delicious food memories savouring each country's famous cuisine.
While Mr Bunnik has a long list of favourite places to visit in Dalmatia, a few stand out for him.
"I love Dubrovnik - despite the summer crowds," he said. "It's just such a beautiful spot. The old town is surrounded by thick city walls, and the views from up here into the old town haven't changed for hundreds of years.
"Once the cruise ship day-trippers have left, the streets are quieter, and it is still possible to find our own secluded spot to soak in the history of the place.
"Further north, I love Split. It's completely different to Dubrovnik in that the centre of the old town is actually built within the ruins of the retirement palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. It's on the coast, so again, you are never far from the water and a good seafood restaurant.
"I also love the islands. Korcula is a favourite, and Hvar is also stunning. The lifestyle here is more relaxed, and the summer holiday vibes are even stronger."
Apart from his first backpacking experiences, Mr Bunnik said his most memorable trip to Dalmatia was on the first Bunnik's tour to the region after COVID.
"It was actually my birthday on the day we left Sarajevo in Bosnia, where we'd enjoyed the most incredible food tour," he said. "From Sarajevo, we travelled down to Mostar to see its beautiful bridge, then we continued on to Dubrovnik for our three-night stay.
"Several of us went out that evening for a beautiful meal in the old town marina. On the way back, we stopped for ice-cream and strolled aimlessly through the by now very quiet streets of the old town. It was magic."
Along with the incredible sites, the tastes of Dalmatia are sure to be a highlight.
From fresh seafood to mouth-watering pastries, the diverse and delicious food will linger in your memory long after the visit, says Mr Bunnik.
"I love the Balkan food, it's strong, rich and flavoursome," he said. "Burek, a savoury pastry, is so delicious, especially fresh from the bakery.
"For meat, I can't go past Cevapi and pita bread. On the coast, it's grilled fish and for dessert you can't beat baklava and, of course, the ice-cream.
"On the food walking tour we do in Sarajevo, I remember the first time stopping at one bakery that does the best Burek I've had. My mouth still waters at the thought."
Ready to experience Dalmatia with Bunnik Tours? To find out more, visit bunniktours.com.au
Brought to you by Bunnik Tours.
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines with soaring mountains and cliffs, and medieval towns, the region of Dalmatia has long been at the top of the list of favourite destinations for all kinds of travellers.
Stretching along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, including countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, Dalmatia lures with its history, breathtaking beaches and islands, national parks, renowned world-heritage-listed sites, and delicious food and wine.
It's this captivating blend that's made Dalmatia a beloved destination for passionate global traveller Dennis Bunnik, one of the directors of Bunnik Tours, the family-owned Australian company his mum Marion founded 30 years ago.
Mr Bunnik first visited Dalmatia 38 years ago as a young backpacker. He's returned numerous times and led many of Bunnik Tours' popular small group tours to the region, sharing his experience with fellow travellers.
"It was still Yugoslavia when I first went there," Mr Bunnik said. "I spent three weeks travelling slowly up the coast from Dubrovnik to Split and then inland to the Plitvice Lakes. I absolutely fell in love with the landscapes, the food and the lifestyle.
"The coast of Croatia is stunning, with mountains and cliffs running down into the blue waters of the Adriatic. Old towns and ancient cities abound, and the coast is dotted with islands. It's a summer paradise with beaches, marinas and waterfront restaurants, which gives the whole coast that instant relaxed holiday feel."
Bunnik Tours' Jewels of Dalmatia tour offers the chance to explore the region as part of a group of no more than 20 others. It's full of authentic experiences designed to immerse travellers in the culture, food and beauty of the region and deliver more meaningful moments of connection with the countries visited.
The 22-day tour takes you on an adventure through Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll lose yourself wandering cobblestoned lanes as you explore fascinating Dubrovnik and Hvar, revel in the romance of Lake Bled and the Plitvice Lakes, watch as daredevils leap from Mostar's Old Bridge, cruise on the jaw-droppingly beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea, and make some delicious food memories savouring each country's famous cuisine.
While Mr Bunnik has a long list of favourite places to visit in Dalmatia, a few stand out for him.
"I love Dubrovnik - despite the summer crowds," he said. "It's just such a beautiful spot. The old town is surrounded by thick city walls, and the views from up here into the old town haven't changed for hundreds of years.
"Once the cruise ship day-trippers have left, the streets are quieter, and it is still possible to find our own secluded spot to soak in the history of the place.
"Further north, I love Split. It's completely different to Dubrovnik in that the centre of the old town is actually built within the ruins of the retirement palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. It's on the coast, so again, you are never far from the water and a good seafood restaurant.
"I also love the islands. Korcula is a favourite, and Hvar is also stunning. The lifestyle here is more relaxed, and the summer holiday vibes are even stronger."
Apart from his first backpacking experiences, Mr Bunnik said his most memorable trip to Dalmatia was on the first Bunnik's tour to the region after COVID.
"It was actually my birthday on the day we left Sarajevo in Bosnia, where we'd enjoyed the most incredible food tour," he said. "From Sarajevo, we travelled down to Mostar to see its beautiful bridge, then we continued on to Dubrovnik for our three-night stay.
"Several of us went out that evening for a beautiful meal in the old town marina. On the way back, we stopped for ice-cream and strolled aimlessly through the by now very quiet streets of the old town. It was magic."
Along with the incredible sites, the tastes of Dalmatia are sure to be a highlight.
From fresh seafood to mouth-watering pastries, the diverse and delicious food will linger in your memory long after the visit, says Mr Bunnik.
"I love the Balkan food, it's strong, rich and flavoursome," he said. "Burek, a savoury pastry, is so delicious, especially fresh from the bakery.
"For meat, I can't go past Cevapi and pita bread. On the coast, it's grilled fish and for dessert you can't beat baklava and, of course, the ice-cream.
"On the food walking tour we do in Sarajevo, I remember the first time stopping at one bakery that does the best Burek I've had. My mouth still waters at the thought."
Ready to experience Dalmatia with Bunnik Tours? To find out more, visit bunniktours.com.au
Brought to you by Bunnik Tours.
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines with soaring mountains and cliffs, and medieval towns, the region of Dalmatia has long been at the top of the list of favourite destinations for all kinds of travellers.
Stretching along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, including countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, Dalmatia lures with its history, breathtaking beaches and islands, national parks, renowned world-heritage-listed sites, and delicious food and wine.
It's this captivating blend that's made Dalmatia a beloved destination for passionate global traveller Dennis Bunnik, one of the directors of Bunnik Tours, the family-owned Australian company his mum Marion founded 30 years ago.
Mr Bunnik first visited Dalmatia 38 years ago as a young backpacker. He's returned numerous times and led many of Bunnik Tours' popular small group tours to the region, sharing his experience with fellow travellers.
"It was still Yugoslavia when I first went there," Mr Bunnik said. "I spent three weeks travelling slowly up the coast from Dubrovnik to Split and then inland to the Plitvice Lakes. I absolutely fell in love with the landscapes, the food and the lifestyle.
"The coast of Croatia is stunning, with mountains and cliffs running down into the blue waters of the Adriatic. Old towns and ancient cities abound, and the coast is dotted with islands. It's a summer paradise with beaches, marinas and waterfront restaurants, which gives the whole coast that instant relaxed holiday feel."
Bunnik Tours' Jewels of Dalmatia tour offers the chance to explore the region as part of a group of no more than 20 others. It's full of authentic experiences designed to immerse travellers in the culture, food and beauty of the region and deliver more meaningful moments of connection with the countries visited.
The 22-day tour takes you on an adventure through Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll lose yourself wandering cobblestoned lanes as you explore fascinating Dubrovnik and Hvar, revel in the romance of Lake Bled and the Plitvice Lakes, watch as daredevils leap from Mostar's Old Bridge, cruise on the jaw-droppingly beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea, and make some delicious food memories savouring each country's famous cuisine.
While Mr Bunnik has a long list of favourite places to visit in Dalmatia, a few stand out for him.
"I love Dubrovnik - despite the summer crowds," he said. "It's just such a beautiful spot. The old town is surrounded by thick city walls, and the views from up here into the old town haven't changed for hundreds of years.
"Once the cruise ship day-trippers have left, the streets are quieter, and it is still possible to find our own secluded spot to soak in the history of the place.
"Further north, I love Split. It's completely different to Dubrovnik in that the centre of the old town is actually built within the ruins of the retirement palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. It's on the coast, so again, you are never far from the water and a good seafood restaurant.
"I also love the islands. Korcula is a favourite, and Hvar is also stunning. The lifestyle here is more relaxed, and the summer holiday vibes are even stronger."
Apart from his first backpacking experiences, Mr Bunnik said his most memorable trip to Dalmatia was on the first Bunnik's tour to the region after COVID.
"It was actually my birthday on the day we left Sarajevo in Bosnia, where we'd enjoyed the most incredible food tour," he said. "From Sarajevo, we travelled down to Mostar to see its beautiful bridge, then we continued on to Dubrovnik for our three-night stay.
"Several of us went out that evening for a beautiful meal in the old town marina. On the way back, we stopped for ice-cream and strolled aimlessly through the by now very quiet streets of the old town. It was magic."
Along with the incredible sites, the tastes of Dalmatia are sure to be a highlight.
From fresh seafood to mouth-watering pastries, the diverse and delicious food will linger in your memory long after the visit, says Mr Bunnik.
"I love the Balkan food, it's strong, rich and flavoursome," he said. "Burek, a savoury pastry, is so delicious, especially fresh from the bakery.
"For meat, I can't go past Cevapi and pita bread. On the coast, it's grilled fish and for dessert you can't beat baklava and, of course, the ice-cream.
"On the food walking tour we do in Sarajevo, I remember the first time stopping at one bakery that does the best Burek I've had. My mouth still waters at the thought."
Ready to experience Dalmatia with Bunnik Tours? To find out more, visit bunniktours.com.au