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Excursions
Podaca
Upper Podaca settlement developed on the slopes of Biokovo , next to the church of John the Baptist, by that name it was first mentioned in the 15th centuary but it dates back from the Stone Age. The choice of the location was logical, considering that the attacks were coming from the sea, so it became easier to defend under Biokovo. Dominating above the village,preserved even todaz, is a 'Tower' , that was built in order to defend against Turkish attacks.
Sv. John the Baptist church was built on a cemetary in Stara Podaca somewhere between 11th and 12th centuary, is considered one of the most important pre-Romanesque churches in Dalmatia. Not far from the church of St John was a church of St Stjepan which was demolised in the 18th centuary to make room for the present one which was built in 1762. There is a cemetary around the church.
When you mention Upper Podaca , life was not easy back in 1571. Agriculture and livestock were the two basic things that the people back then were doing in order to survive. After the earthquake in 1962 the entire population moved to the area next to the sea. For the last 50 years Donja Podaca is making its living mainly from tourism the Upper or the old Podaca has been coming into the center of interest recently.
Baćina Lakes
The gems of untouched nature that are close to the sea and next to the delta of river Neretva where there is a natural habitat of waterfowl, mallards , black coots and other species. Bacinska Lakes are made up of seven interconnected lakes that range in depth from 5 to 35 meters.
They are rich in fish especially mullet and eel. They are abundant with natural clean sources of water which are emanating from the mountains and because of that they are being used for supply of drinking water for the inhabitants of Ploce, Gradac and surrounding area. During the winter the lake level raises up to 3 meters where it is being transferred into the sea via a tunnel underneath the Adriatic main road. The summer is warm and mild, full of scent and color, enriched with song from warbler birds and croaking frogs, perfect for a quiet holiday, long walks or joyful excursions. The lakes are on average warmer than the sea so they are pleasant for swimming, surfing or boat rides.
Safari on the Neretva River
Take a ride through hundreds of channels and peek into the intact heart of Neretva swamps in the boat, a traditional vessel of Neretva. See the places where once sailed the Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, and where pirates of Neretva launched attacks on the enemy's ships. In such a perfect labyrinth of the Neretva channels, 40-kilometers from Gradac, adorned with beautiful water lilies there are hidden habitats of unique birds.
http://www.adria-restaurant.hr/fotosafari (VIDEO)
Archeological museum Narona
Visit the Museum of Vid, where are the remains of antic Narona. Forty kilometers from Gradac, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus, displays a unique collection of ancient statues created in 1st century before Christ. In this unique archaeological site was found 15 statues of Roman emperors and other members of the imperial family. Total exposure is about 900 findings (statues, pottery, jewelry, glass, money, etc) from different locations in Narona. Archeological museum an obligatory destination for all lovers of culture, art, history and archeology.
Sanctuary of Veprić
Croatian shrine of Lourdes Vepric was founded in 1908 by Bishop Dr. Juraj Carić (1867-1921), who is buried in the shrine. Natural caves and scenery with hills, vegetation and stream between them, vividly recalls the Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary, appeared 18 times in 1858. This center has also a chapel and the sacristy, the altar in the square, confessionals, Stations of the Cross, the home of the spiritual exercises, walking processions. A new house for the sanctuary and retreat was also built. Because of it’s natural beauty and tranquility, this place has a very good attendance throughout the year, and the main pilgrimage days: 11.2., 25.3., 15.8., 7 and 8.9.
Biokovo Nature Park
Biokovo was declared a nature park because of it’s exceptional values of plant and animal species, and natural beauty. It covers an area of 196 square kilometers and includes the mountain range of the pass Dubci to the Gornje Igrane, a distance of about 30 km. The park has also the Biokovo Botanical Garden called Kotišina. The highest peak of Biokovo is St.Jure, high 1762 m. During a clear day with binoculars can be seen 252 km distant top Monte Gargano on Italian coast. The main characteristics of the nature park Biokovo: cave - the deepest pit that was discovered - Amphora (790 m), more than 40 endemic plant species, significant paleontological sites, beautiful landscapes and views, and all the typical karst phenomena - sinkholes, cracks, oysters, caves, icicles.
Mljet National Park
Mljet is the eighth-largest Croatian island, located near the peninsula of Peljesac, Dubrovnik and Korcula. It’s characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and mild winters with approximately 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest Adriatic island.
Beautiful nature, crystal clear sea, lakes, islands, rich cultural heritage, make the island of Mljet truly a paradise on earth and one of the best diving destinations. Many have written and sung about its beauty, and the one who comes to Mljet, always returns. Notable Time magazine ranked Mljet among 10 most beautiful islands in the world. Its ancient name is Melita, which comes from the Greek "Melita nesos" meaning honeymoon island.
Mljet has in it'snature up to 25 species of orchids and 70% of the island is covered with trees and therefore Mljet is called "green island". At several locations on the island there is a sludge that is suitable for the treatment of various skin and rheumatic diseases. Besides Aurelius jellyfish that can not be found anywhere else in the world, partially flooded cave Rikavica that during the storm produces a frightening roar is also interesting. Number of Mljet caves is inhabited by 17 species of bats.
This according to many, most beautiful and most forested island in the Adriatic, is one of the most attractive and most interesting cultural-historical pearls of Mediterranean, where every year more and more tourists visit. It has been visited by couples in love, nature lovers, lovers who trace the historical stories and legends, explorers of ancient culture and historical monuments. Because of the extremely attractive scenery western part of the island in 1960. became the first national park in Croatia. Resorts in the national park: Baba House, Soline, Baska, Goveđari Pomena, Dock, and Tatinica Polače, where is the second largest Roman palace on the coast.
On the outer coast, the southern sea area is steep and full of collapsed caves, while the part facing the mainland to the north, is lower and more accessible. In this section are numbers of endemic Dalmatian plants, led by extraordinary beauty - legally protected Dubrovačka zečina.
Krka National Park
is the seventh national park known for its large number of lakes and waterfalls. It became a national park in 1985. and was named after the river Krka, which is part of the park. The National Park is located in central Dalmatia, only a few kilometers from the city of Sibenik, 190 kilometers from Gradac. It stretches over 142 square kilometers, of which 25.6 square miles is water surface. This area is extremely rich with varied flora and fauna. Hydropower Jaruga, under the waterfall of Skradinski buk is second oldest hydropower in the world and first in Europe. It was built in 28.08.1895., just three days after the world's first hydroelectric power plant on Niagara Falls.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The best and most among the eight national parks in Croatia - Plitvice Lakes, founded in 1979. It is located approximately 140 km from Zagreb and 219 km from Split. The largest and oldest Croatian national park abounds with rich morphological forms, forests and grasslands habitats, flora and fauna, cultural heritage and finally tourism. Possible activities in the park: walking, hiking, riding electric boat and train, photography, cycling, skiing, rowing.
Although every corner of the park is not accessible to visitors, there are kilometers of trails for bikers and miles of walking paths and wooden bridges to explore and walk in a natural environment that is constantly changing and astonishes by its beauty. An integral and indispensable part of the sightseeing are Plitvice trains which help you to reach some distant points of the park and to enjoy a panoramic view of the lakes at specific locations , and Plitvice electric boats which sail on the largest lake Kozjak, connecting the Upper and Lower Lakes.
Peljesac peninsula
Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Dalmatia, where you can find several picturesque villages. Various cultures have left here traces in the historical architecture which can still be seen. Population works in tourism and viticulture, producing some of the best wines in Croatia.
The island of Hvar
Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic Sea, located between the Peninsula and the Makarska Riviera and the islands of Korcula, Brac and Vis. It's hard to tell what charms the most on Hvar, its nature or historic towns. It is known for its exceptionally mild climate and the seductive scent of lavender fields, as for grapes which sunbeams turn into the best wine on Hvar.
Korčula
Korcula is the sixth largest Adriatic island and most populated of all the islands of Dalmatia. The island belongs to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, has an area of 276 square km and it's only about 50 kilometers from Gradac. Korcula Island was apparently home to the Greek heroine Kerkyra, after which it was named Korcula, as well as home to world traveler Marco Polo.
The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times as evidenced by the Great Cave, a protected archeological site as the varied historical and cultural heritage, such as the knight's game-Moreška where knights in red and black costumes fight for the favor of the ladies.
City of Korcula is the center of the island, located on its eastern part, a true copy of the medieval town, was once a separate unit and it later merged with the rest of the island.
Split
Split is a city located in central Dalmatia, in the middle of the Adriatic and its coastline. In the north it borders with the mountain Mosor and hill Kozjak, while in the west its surrounded by Marjan hill that rises above the old town. The city of Split is surrounded by numerous islands and islets, but the most popular are: Brac, Hvar, Ciovo and Solta.
A lot of Split's cultural and historical heritage can be found inside the walls of Diocletian's Palace, which hides many museums, the National Theatre, and old churches, St. Vitus Cathedral. Duje from the 7th century. The palace was built in the time of Diocletian Monarchs.
Rafting on Cetina
Rafting is one of the most exciting ways to experience river courses and their picturesque surroundings. Somewhere in the mountainous hinterland on the river Cetina, after a short training there is a forty minute down slope to experience. Fast and foaming rapids of this mountain river water leads to Radman Mlinica. Thats where the adventure ends, but a stroll through the hundred year old woods or swimming can be really pleasant.
Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik is located on the southern Croatian coast, in the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Dubrovnik has a very rich cultural, tourist and historical offer that is very visible in the natural beauty and cultural heritage. Surely one of the most famous cities of the Mediterranean, at the foot of Srd, in a valley to the west with the Lapad plateau with the oldest part of Dubrovnik.
Stradun-old town was connected to the suburbs on the other side of valley, landfill swamp valley between Gruz Bay and the Old Port, so the Stradun became the center of the city and its main street, connecting Ploče to the east and Pile in the west.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in a form of the heart, located in the heart of Southeast Europe. Here we encounter the Eastern and Western civilizations. Despite occasional clashes, they have enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.
Bosnia and Herzegovina covers 50 000 km2 and has outlet on the Adriatic Sea in the length of 13 km of coastline. Northern and central part called Bosnia, which is derived from the ancient Indo-European word "bosana" meaning water, and the southern part of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan Kosaca, called Hercegovina since its conquering by Ottoman invaders. BiH abounds with boundless natural landscapes, cultures, traditions and people who maintain the famous hospitability of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Međugorje
It is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to a group of children in 1981. Thanks apparitions, this little village has become one of the most important Marian shrine in the world, a meeting place of pilgrims and one of the biggest prayer centers in the world. Innumerable people claim that they have found faith and peace. Visit the Apparition Hill and attend Mass in the local church.
The plateau which is located on the right bank of the Neretva River, of which is the center city Čitluk, belongs to the project "Wine Route of Herzegovina," where you can taste and buy wines (primarily Žilavka and Blatina).
The area is known for juicy figs, fresh grapes and premium tobacco products in the mountainous regions of the original sack cheese.
Winery in Ljubuski operates more since 1882. years and is the oldest winery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Winery is proud of its long-term plantations Žilavka, Blatina and young plantations Merlot, Sauvignon, Zweigelt and other top wine sorts. Detailed information about the wine cellars to see at www.vinskacesta.ba
Waterfall Kravice
The jewel of this area is crystal clear river Trebižat. Southeast of Ljubuski in Studenci, there is a waterfall Kravice. With a width of 120 and a height of 25 m, Kravice are one of the largest and certainly the most impressive waterfalls in Herzegovina. Water made a natural pool at the foot of the waterfall by its own strenght of fall. This is a favorite local spa and resort, and tourists come from all sides. This is the best place to visit in the spring when the level of the waterfall is highest and the surrounding nature is clothed with glorious greenery.
Mostar
Exciting journey full of contrasts - the rocky coastal area is gradually melting in the lush greenery of the Neretva valley full of fragrant orchards of citrus fruits and kiwi. Mostar, a city known as "spot of blending cultures." The dominant influence of centuries-long Ottoman rule, a tall and slender minarets that reach for the sky, stone-paved street bazaar with rhythmic hammer blows on copper plates, which are converted into attractive souvenirs home with ornamental ornate wooden balconies, will remind you of times gone by. Truly a place where East meets West.
Located on the banks of the Neretva River, cultural and economic center, is also the largest city in Herzegovina. Mostar is one of three official cities of Bosnia and Hercegovine.Grad was named after bridge guardians (mostari) on the banks of the river Neretva. It is among the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Old Bridge, the heart of Mostar and its reconstruction after the destruction of the 1993 means that life is slowly but surely returning to normal in the most beautiful city in BiH. The Old Bridge, along the old city, is on the list of protected cultural heritage of UNESCO since 2005. Urban area (Mostar and its surroundings) can be described as a geographic hub of Northern, Western and Eastern Herzegovina. The canyon of the river Neretva streches throught downtown which is why Mostar is known by the nickname "city on the Neretva river." The construction of dams on the river for HE Mostar has for a result an accumulation - Mostar lake.
Počitelj
This quiet oriental town is located 3 km north of the city of Čapljina on the way to Mostar. This unique resort is included in the UNESCO list. Although the city was first mentioned in written documents in the 1444, it is assumed that it has built the Bosnian king Tvrtko in 1383. This medieval town had a Mediterranean look, but after the Turkish conquest it has been orientaly redesigned. The blend of these two architectural styles gives Počitelj special dimension. Besides its stunning oriental architecture and Ottoman "soul" Pocitelj is interesting and well-known as the host of the Art Colony with the longest tradition in southeastern Europe.
Most buildings (such as Hadzi-Alija Mosque and Gavrankapetanović's house) are reconstructed and all of them are open to visitors. The most interesting object in Počitelj is the Sahat-kula, the high fortress on the hill above the town. It was the home for the guards who were watching to prevent possible enemy invasion from the Neretva valley.