We are finally able to travel here again, and made our way over to Croatia. It is only about a 3 1/2 hour drive (super easy). We brought Kiwi with us, so she was able to knock off a couple bucket list countries to her pet passport too :-). We had such a great time. Istria is a peninsula in the Northern part of the country and it is absolutely beautiful! It is like time stood still there and we absolutely love it. Dirt roads, stone walls, sea, mountains, small cities, culture, wine, amazing food. We found a restaurant that we stuck to for several nights - they even made their own cheese -Amazing! People are super kind and friendly. Truly a great place!
 |
I was in heaven with the lavender fields! They smelled amazing! |
 |
I couldn't resist Kiwi's picture at the border of Italy and Slovenia! |
 |
They have the coolest place at the very tip of the peninsula. It is like a national park with amazing coastal beaches. Many of the beaches have a "bar" which is like a cafe. The Safari bar is quite famous. We could pour our own Lemonade :-) |
 |
We went horseback riding though the dirt roads and vineyards - it was so much fun! (Bryan and Mia had never been on a horse!) |
 |
Kiwi loved being part of the action! |
 |
The turquois waters were beautiful! |
 |
Our horse ride took us by this old church.. |
 |
Motovun is a beautiful old village on a mountain top. It is where Mario Andretti (the race car driver) grew up |
 |
More riding pictures through the vineyard... |
 |
Amazing old stone homes and walls (the coast is extremely rocky, so great for building materials) |
 |
Kiwi and a sunflower field |
 |
Gelato! |
 |
So pretty! |
 |
Rovinj is an adorable city! The roads are amazing! |
 |
On the top of Motovun looking out... |
 |
Yes - more Sunflower pics (I can't get enough!) |
 |
The colored doors have so much character! Great place for Kiwi to rest :-) |
 |
Turqoise waters.. |
 |
Rovinj! |
 |
Love these 2! |
 |
And this one! |
 |
Kiwi at the Safari Bar! |
 |
One of the many public beaches - no fee and just miles and miles of coast to enjoy |
 |
Coffee in Rovinj |
 |
Adorable!! |
 |
Taking another rest on the cobblestone streets.. |
 |
Such clear and clean water |
 |
Great Horses (and so patient with their inexperienced riders!) |
 |
Our meal at a restaurant in the middle of nowhere, croatia. The lady told us that only the grill was open, but she could make us a platter - yikes!! It was impressive! |
 |
You can see the rocky coast -so similar to Maine! |
 |
And in the Natioanl park -like place there were thousands of little paths like this that led to beaches and other treasures - absolutely beautiful! |
 |
Such clear water! |
 |
Kiwi found a cool spot! |
 |
Selfie -with the travel group! |
 |
and the ride continued :-) |
 |
Gorgeous waters! |
 |
A fantastic vacation! |