Secret Dalmatia Testimonials, Secret Dalmatia

If you would like to contact our past clients, send us an email so we can ask for their approval!

Each year many of our guests write to us and send photos of their Croatian experience. It's not only how we learn to make our services and programs even better, but a great way to share experiences with others - so please send us your photos and comments! Here is just a small selection of all the testimonials we receive from our clients (many of them are dear friends now) each year:

Holiday in Dalmatia, Bill and Marie Demicco, USA

Dear Alan,
To be a tourist abroad is one kind of experience; to be a guest is another. But our third consecutive trip to Croatia has made us feel like family coming home. Our two previous trips were sensational, each better than the one before. Could our third live up to our expectations? Oh yeah. Starting out with some relaxing days on Vis, we quickly shed the stresses and strains of everyday life and got into the quiet rhythm of coffee on the waterfront, shopping in the farmers’ market, listening to the waves lap the rocks right under our windows at night.
Moving on to Imotski, an area barely mentioned in the guide books, we had the amazing experience of staying with a family: sharing homemade meals, lovely wine, walks, and long stimulating conversations on so many subjects.
Returning to Šibenik, our favorite destination in Dalmatia, we were immediately embraced by dear friends from our past visits. Breaking bread together creates lasting bonds and we were blessed to be able to share some wonderful meals with our friends in Šibenik. From breakfasts sitting at the counter at Peligrini, to the most magical al fresco cooking experience with Rudi on the waterfront, to a family lunch of fresh caught and grilled fish with your uncle, to sharing a glass or two of wine with Mira, we have never felt so at home and so much a part of Dalmatia.
Tourists visit a location, see the sights, take pictures, buy souvenirs. We visited, saw places and sights known only to locals, we did take pictures (lots of them!), but our souvenirs are in our hearts and our memories. Thanks again so very much for a wonderful homecoming!
Do sljedeći put
Bill and Marie Demicco
October, 2011

Holiday in Dalmatia, Janet, Adriaan and Sydney Clark, Canada

Hi Alan,
We wanted to thank you for a very well organized and interesting trip. We enjoyed all the events and all the guides and appreciate your choice of activities which coincided very well and with good insight to what we had said our interests were. We particularly enjoyed meeting people who live in Dalmatia and having good conversations with them. Too bad you don’t have any say over the weather; then the trip would have been perfect. The apartment was good and the location perfect.
We will certainly recommend your company to anyone we know going to Dalmatia.
We wish you all the best and further success.
Regards,
Janet, Adriaan and Sydney
September, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Ron and Carol Dunlop, Canada

Hi Alan
I just wanted to write you a note to say thank you for a wonderful holiday in beautiful Croatia. Everything about the trip was perfect, and we are so impressed with your country. We will highly recommend a visit to Croatia for our friends, and in particular, Secret Dalmatia.
We are just sorry that we didn’t get to meet you.
Ron & Carol Dunlop
September, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Susan and Hilary Clegg, Canada

Hello Alan,
We are back in Canada and I wanted to thank you for all the arrangements which you made possible for us in both Croatia and Slovenia. It was a wonderful trip and full of great pictures and memories. We will definitely return to the area and would love to use your agency again and refer you to our travel agency and travelling friends.
I had promised to send Sanja (in Imotski) some photos of our day spent with her, but have misplaced her email, if possible could you send it to us please?
Thanks again for all your efforts in customizing our holiday and making it perfect!
Cheers,
Susan and Hilary Clegg
September, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Cathy McAllen, Canada

Alan, my sister and I are heading back to Canada after our 3 week trip to Europe. I wanted to take the time to thank you and let you know how much I enjoyed the excursions I booked through you. In fact, Croatia was the highlight of my trip. I definitely want to come back and explore some of the quieter areas and spend more time on the islands. Mljet was beautiful and I loved our time in Dubrovnik, Split, Brac, Zagreb, and Plitvice. But what made the trip really great was the guides. I learned so much about the places we visited but, more importantly, about Croatia and the different points of view of Croatians. Carol was wonderful. She clearly loves her new home, Dubrovnik. We had a great time chatting over coffee and she helped me pick out a konavle pendant as a memory of my trip. Rada's passion for herbs and plants was contagious. My sister and I enjoyed tasting olive oil on Brac and our special cake (Viagra cake!). Roni from Zagreb was funny, personable, and charming. He tried to find a restaurant that served plum dumplings when I mentioned I had loved them as a kid. No luck so I might have to learn to make them myself.
Let them know what a great time we had. Hope to return to beautiful Croatia.
Cathy McAllen
August, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Valerie and Nicole Nicholson, USA

Alan,

Sorry for the delay in getting a very happy response to you. It has been a challenging re-entry into regular life and with Jet lag and full blown work requirements I have been distracted.

Here is a couple of pictures, one of us in the olive grove for dinner, a couple at Cedo’s and the other from the fortress in Hvar. Hvar was Nicoles favourite Croatia spot as I think she like going to the beach club every day and watching all the boats (and beautiful people). J
Our trip was amazing and there were so many highlights. I would have to say that all the side-trips we did were our favourite times. Hotels are hotels and even though each was lovely and the people were very accommodating, it was getting out of the tourist zones and meeting with some of the local people that made me love your beautiful country.
Our first guide, Davor who took us to Plitvice was like having a friend for the day. We chatted about all kinds of things and he pointed out all the various interesting sites and gave us a really good feel for the area. A very nice, intelligent man with a warm personality. One of the best days for sure.
Each one had their own unique personality and brought so much to our trip, thank you for arranging the itinerary and I must say you did an amazing job. I would recommend your method of travel in a minute for families who want to see Croatia, both from a tourist perspective and from a “insiders” view. I very much enjoyed our afternoon with Cedo, he was a very interesting man, the food was AMAZING, and it was a very nice break for the day to be at someone’s home and not in “travellers” mode.
A very special thank you must go to Mario who picked us up from the Korcula ferry and spent the afternoon with showing us his vineyards and sharing his family history. By far the best day of our trip for feeling like we had a chance to see Croatia the way it should be seen. He taught us so much about the wine making process, I found it fascinating. One our favourite sayings to people here at home is that Mario had more history in his kitchen than Vancouver has in the entire city.

All in all, one of the best times Nicole and I have had together and the memories will be cherished. Again, this trip would not have been the same without your help so I thank you for knowing what people really need.
Sincerely,

Val
August 2011

Holiday in Croatia, The Nogrady and Mucha Family, USA

Mike and I want you to thank you for arranging an amazing trip for us. We had so many incredible experiences that we would not have had without your knowledge and expertise. Each of our guides not only knew history, art, politics and religion, they also had great social skills and communicated their love for and pride in Croatia. We had a great day with Igor in Lika looking for our ancestors. We weren't really successful, but he went above and beyond trying to help us with the search. I think we were close, but didn't quite find them.

Our first guide, Roni, was interested in a bottle of slivovica Mike told him about that has Hebrew writing on the label. If you can, please forward it to him.

We are thinking that we might like to rent an apartment in Split for an extended stay next spring. Do you have any thoughts about the best way to accomplish that?

Thanky again!
Mike and Mariann Nogrady

June, 2011

Holiday in Dalmatia, John and Jeanette Sharp, Sydney, Australia

A note to thank you for the superb tour you organised for us. It was an education to see a country that has been at the crossroads of so much history and to listen to the first hand stories of people who have witnessed what is still history in the making. While the Dalmatian coast is a treasure and the facilities were superb, our most enduring memory will be of the friendly, tough and welcoming people. As one man put it, “If you come with a gun, you will eventually leave even if it takes 500 years but if you come with a bottle of wine you can stay forever”. Please feel free to give us as references to any Australians thinking about doing one of your tours.

Regards,
John and Jeanette Sharp

May, 2011

Holiday in Dalmatia, David and Bonnie Weekley, Huston, TX, USA http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/

Alan - we have arrived back in Houston - we enjoyed our trip a LOT ! Good Hotels, location and tour recommendations, etc. All transfers and tour guides were timely and good. The detailed itinerary we got a week or so before we left with exact times, names , and phone numbers was very helpful. So, all in all - 5 stars in my book ! Thank You

Regards,
David and Bonnie

May, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Dhruti and Neil Patel family, UK & India

Good day, Alan,
Hope all well, Thank you for arranging a fantastic trip for us. We all had a great time. The Guides / Drivers that you provided us, each and every one them individually were very very helpful, polite and knowledgeable. There was not a single one we felt didn’t know what they were talking. They all helped up and were stretched even more to make us comfortable. The hotels and their staff were also helpful and courteous. The locations of the hotels and suggestions you give us were remarkable, we visited most of the restaurants you suggested, 10/10 for the food we had. We had a fantastic and a memorable trip and thank you once again for all your help. We were looking forward to meeting you as well after all the correspondences we have exchanged in last few months.

Regards,
Dhruti and Neil Patel

April, 2011

Holiday in Croatia, Marisa and Anthony Saladino, LA, USA

Alan,
Thank you so much for everything! Our trip was absolutely amazing. Everything was seamless and wonderful. Every transfer, hotel, wine tour/excursion, meal, etc...( I could go on forever)!
We presented you with a complicated request; an itinerary that began in Venice and worked our way down the Adriatic Coast with many stops along the way, and only 10 days to do it in. The only direction that we gave you was "a trip that was off the beaten path,but not to compromise the best in food and accommodations". From that you developed an exquisite journey through the unbelievable countryside and coastline of Croatia. Every person that you put us in contact with (starting with our transfer from Venice, the staff at San Rocco, Christian with the truffle hunt, Avon with the transfer from Istria, the Art Apartment, Rudi at Peligrini, YOU MEETING US in Sibenik, The staff at Villa Nora, Ante on the Hvar wine tour, Tony at Lesic Dmitri, and Mario on the Orebic wine tour), treated us like family. We had the unique opportunity to have a VIP experience similar to visiting friends and family.
You were in available during the entire trip any time I needed you and for every request. Thank you again and we will definitely be coming back to Croatia. If you are ever on the West Coast, please give us a call as we would love to see you again.

Best to you and your family,
Marisa and Anthony

October 2010

Honeymoon in Croatia Mr. Richard Gordon and Mrs. Tanuka Roy, SF, USA

We planned a two week honeymoon in Croatia and we spent our entire time on the Dalmatian Coast. I planned EVERYTHING (hotel, excursions, transfers, tours, etc... ) with Alan and the Secret Dalmatia team. Alan was extremely responsive right from the start and would e-mail me back with costs, details, and recommendations any time I asked. He took the time to call a number of times and get a true sense of the type of the trip we were looking for and he worked within those parameters to build us an itinerary that was perfect for us. We had a private excursion in each location with fantastic guides, beautiful hotels with great rooms (and views), and amazing meals (all restaurants recommended by Alan and his colleagues). I had high expectations of Croatia and the type of services we would receive on our Honeymoon and I can honestly say that everything was better than expected. Not only was my itinerary mapped out day by day with all we would need, but Alan also took the time to check in each time we moved to a new hotel/location. I can't say enough about how beautiful Croatia is and just how seamless Alan made the entire process - we didn't even have to think about holding a ferry transfer ticket- it was all taken care of! If you are not going to the Dalmatian coast for your honeymoon, you should... if you are going and you are not yet in touch with Alan about organizing all of the details, then you need to be. You won't regret it- please feel free to call or e-mail me and I'm happy to go into more detail.

August 2010

Luxury Croatia for Ms. Alisson Lee and friends, Miami, USA

Dear Alan,
I fell in love! ....with Croatia. Thanks to you for helping us plan such a wonderful trip. Everything was seamless from start to finish. I can't stop gushing about the beauty of the country, the amazing food and wine. I look forward to returning. I've already started referring my friends to you.

July/August 2010

Dalmatian holiday for Ms. Jacquelin Teo, Singapore

Hello Alan:
This comes a bit late because i went straight into 2 back to back business trips and I'm finally home. Just wanted to say thank you for helping to plan a wonderful holiday in Croatia. All your suggestions and recommendations were fantastic. The guides were all very passionate and wonderful people. In particular, Ante is a real star. The dinner experience he recommended was mind blowing and it will remain a very special memory.
The accommodation was great and we absolutely loved Villa Dubrovnik.

Thank you once again for a perfectly planned tour! All the best.

July 2010

Majestic Croatia for Kolesars and Conroys, USA

Our tour of Croatia with Secret Dalmatia was fabulous. We visited remarkable natural wonders, historic cities and beautiful villages and castles, many of which we would never have found on our own. The trip arrangements - hotels, food, transportation - were just right, and we were always conscious that Alan was only a phone call away, pulling strings and making last minute tweaks to our schedule. But best of all were our guides, who were knowledgeable, great fun to be with and who could share with us their personal experiences and reflections on the last several decades of Croatia's history. We're ready to go back! It's a great country, and seeing it with Alan and his team was the way to go!

June 2010

Dr Tom and Dr Christine Ettling. Dr Simon and Mrs Sharon Harper, UK

Hi - a couple of lines to thank you. We were on a whistle stop 5 day break in Split. At short notice we got onto a great day trip to Solta with Robert, followed by his excellent suggestion for our last day in Trogir, and an outstanding peka lunch which he arranged for us. The island tour was very relaxed, informative, enthusiastic and amusing, and has whetted our appetite for olive oil, honey and further travel in Croatia.

I would like to add my email to the list of satisfied clients and would welcome the chance to spread the word about your excellent services.

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June 2010

Demicco Family, Scarborough, Maine, USA

Dear Alan,

As we looked forward to our second trip to Croatia, we were a little fearful that the experience might not live up to the expectation. After all, we had such a wonderful trip in 2009, how could a repeat visit possibly be as wonderful? Well, our fears were unrealized: our trip last month was just as spectacular as our first! It was a nice combination of new locations and a return (and better look) at some places we visited last year. As always, the contacts everywhere we went were exemplary in their friendliness, knowledge and reliability and the accommodations were out-of-the-ordinary. It was so nice to see some familiar faces, especially in Šibenik, where we now feel so much at home. We spent a delightful evening over a bottle of wine with Mira, and of course, Rudi takes extraordinary care of us! Our time spent with you and your family, walking in all those special, “secret” places was the highlight of our trip. It is unusual to have so much unspoiled beauty right at hand. It is always a pleasure to meet new people in Croatia: everyone we met is so passionate and proud of what they do and the contribution they are making, that it is truly inspiring. And they are so very generous in sharing that enthusiasm with others. That, of course, applies to you too! Thank you for doing such a wonderful job at what you do, and thank you so much for becoming our friend. See us on Secret Dalmatia Blog!

Marie & Bill & Liz (Demicco)

May 2010

Jimmie Lapham Group, A group of 4, Texas, USA

Alan, our trip to Croatia was absolutely wonderful--thanks to you. Every detail was taken care of. We loved the tours, the hotels, and the drivers. It was a trip that we will remember for a life-time. Croatia is a beautiful country and the people were so lovely and nice.

Thank you for making our trip so great!

Jimmie and Billy Lapham

May 2010

Caryl Steinberg, Best Travel Gold - Member Virtuoso

Hi Alan,

The Waldrons and the Wozniaks are rating this as their #1 trip! And, it appears, they have traveled extensively together. Ben Wozniak said that as they arrived at each destination it was like opening a new Christmas present!

The wine and food were superb...the hotels perfect (they loved the Split accommodations in the Palace). So, I thank you for everything you did and I am so glad I found you. I will put the word out to my agency and hope that might bring you more business. If you know of anyone who might want to talk or email me about you, just give them my email and I will sing your praises. Thank you, Alan, for everything you did and for making me look good!
Caryl

May 2010

Johanette Rheeder, 3 couples from South Africa - Tour of Croatia
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and your arrangements were perfectly done. Thank you for the choices you made on the hotels as as well and contributing to us having one of the best holidays ever! Kind regards and keep up the excellent service, we loved your beautiful country and friendly people.

April/May 2010

Solfrid and friends, 6 ladies from Oslo, Norway - short break in Croatia
Hello,
Thanks for all your help regarding our stay in Split! Every year the six of travel to a different city for a weekend. This year it was Split and the program you created for us to enjoy the food and wine tasting at Bibic Winery was the best ever according to the group... thanks!
Best regards
Solfrid & Co.
April 2010

Dale and Kim, a couple from Martinez, CA, USA - private tour of Croatia
I've been thinking about you often. I know I mentioned before that we have always been able to continue to enjoy a trip after we've returned home by reliving memories, pictures, etc. This year just didn't work like that, which is a shame, since Croatia was one of our favorite experiences ever.For this year, we are trying to figure out if we can make a 3-week trip happen to encompass highlights of Morocco, Spain & Portugal. I just told Dale this morning that my attempts to find an "Iberian Peninsula Alan" have not worked out. You are one of a kind.
September 2009

Jena and Gabe Hines, a couple from NYC, USA - Honeymoon in Croatia

Hi Alan,

We wanted to write you to let you know what an amazing experience we had on our honeymoon. Each hotel, guide, city was incredible. Rada, Ante & Luka were invovled in some of the best experiences we had on the entire trip. Your attention to our experience really made it feel like we were taken care of the entire time. We're planning on recommending you and writing positive reviews wherever possible.Also, did we owe something for the meal at Luka's house? We did not think about it until after our time with him. Also, if they are willing, you should try to include that peka lunch for any guest that has interest. It was one of our top meals of the trip and a really unique experience.

PS - Please let us know when you will be in New York so we can try to show you and your family some of the hospitality that we experienced during the trip. Thanks for everything.

Gabe & Jena
September 2009

Gerry and Christine Meijer, an Australian couple - private tour of Croatia

Secret Dalmatia’s response to our internet query was immediate and personal. Alan asked a few questions to ascertain our interests and within days emailed with an interesting itinerary for us to peruse. He suggested some “secret” places that we had not considered.

From Mostar enjoyed with Michael and on to Split with Florio who was happy to share his family’s war experiences, to Trogir, Sibenik, Zadar and final Zagreb we thoroughly enjoyed the tour planned by Secret Dalmatia. We learned and experienced the culture, history, geography and way of life of the Croatian people. Secret Dalmatia attended to our accommodation reservations in varied old and beautiful hotels, a wonderful way to experience the walled cities. Alan ensured his tour-guiding colleagues were capable, knowledgeable, flexible and always ready to answer our questions. The superb luncheon at the Pelligrini Restaurant in Sibenik, cooked and served by the owner chef, was not to be missed. What fabulous food, wines and personal service! Alan’s walk out to the St John fortress, where there was not another soul in sight and the scenery was breathtaking, was a highlight. Through pouring rain we trudged with Darvo up to the Takoscan Castle close to the Slovenian border; so glad he was not deterred by the weather. His walking tour through the Plitvice Lakes amazed us with the beauty. It was magic. Rada’s happy, informative and friendly walks inside the walled cities of Split, Trogir and Sibenik were fascinating. She was a delight.

If you are looking for an individual tour, without the inaudible tour guide rushing you onto the next spot, then we recommend Secret Dalmatia to you. Our tour was both trouble and incident free. Keep us the good work Alan, and best wishes.

September 2009

Sue McCarthy, private tour of Dalmatia

I promised to give you feedback on the holiday you arranged for us.
Firstly, overall everything was superbly organized. Every person that you had chosen was excellent - flexible; friendly; nothing was too much trouble; they turned up on time and were full of enthusiasm. I can't say anything better than that.
The hotels were all very good. My only adverse comment relates to the Adriana. The hotel was the most "chic" we have ever stayed in; unbelievable views over the harbor; fantastic swimming pool and cabanas; the bars were just sublime, with service to match. However, the room was SO small, I just wanted to get out. So "designer" but you could hardly move. You might like to warn any potential visitors - it may not bother people but I think it's just as well to be aware.

Having said all that, your flexibility and efficiency was wonderful. If you require any references, I'm always willing to say good things!

August 2009

Michael and Joyce Bytnar, USA - Private tour of Croatia

Alan, Just wanted you to know what a wonderful trip you planned for us in Dalmatia. You do know many secrets and we are happy to have shared some of them with your wonderful guides. It is obvious that your guides are also your friends and they treated us as friends as well. The trip was a lovely mix of cities and off-road adventures. Thanks again for everything you did to make the trip special and memorable.

Thanks again.

Joyce

ps...thanks for arranging all the sunny weather as well!

July 2009

Dr. and Mrs, Simon Crowley, Australia - Luxury tour of Croatia

A very big thank you from the Goldsworthy's and ourselves. We loved your country we were treated to a SIX star comprehensive tour of Croatia. As I have stated to friends it went without a hitch and was way above expectations.The tiny boutique hotels beautifully positioned, the intimate meals with local families and the ever present touch and fine tuning along the way was unique in our vast worldwide travels. No wonder everyone we spoke with sang your praises! It is a beautiful region the locals are warm and kind especially our drivers and guides. Well done ,we will be back! I would be more than happy to talk to any prospective Aussie tourist. Cheers Simon Crowley.
June 2009

Judy and Ernie Glantz, Connecticut - Jewish tour of Balkans

Judy and I have been sorting out the photos over the weekend and with each one we get excited over again! The trip historically (Split, Pula, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, etc.) the beauty (Hvar, The Dalmatian Coast, etc.) were extraordinary. We can't think how you could have it planned better for us! Michael was also a tremendous help to us, with his driving and ability to speak. The food and wine were an unexpected delight. The fresh (I mean really out of the Sea daily) fish was excellent, the fresh oysters on our way to Dubrovnik were outstanding. The various lamb dishes as good as we had anywhere. We still speak about the special wine dinner you arranged at Restaurant Pelegrin (I am still trying to get my friend who writes a food and wine column to do one on them) The wines were truly a surprise as we have not seen them in the U.S. We were particularly fond of the white Posip and the red Plavac Mali. We did taste different vintages, but as we can't get them here I didn't make notes. It was interesting to know that Grigich produces in Croatia. Next time we visit his vineyard in California I will make it a point to tell them we tasted his wine in Croatia. Again Many Thanks!! Judy & Ernie

October 2008

Family Demicco on rarely visited Kljucica Fortress, in 2009.

I take particular pleasure in taking my clients and friends to remote wilderness of hinterland of Zadar and Sibenik! This area is one of the historically most important areas in Croatia hiding numerous historic sights in the countryside of incredible beauty! Far away from the beaten path, you will be able to admire secret waterfalls, hike steep hills, discover ruined fortresses...

If interested in meeting me in person, let me show you some of Dalmatia's most secret sites!

Alan Mandic,

Secret Dalmatia

See more of Demicco family trip in 2009. thorugh Bill's wonderful watercolors!

Secret Dalmatia
Unique and Custom
Travel in Croatia

info@secretdalmatia.com
Tel: 00385 91 567 1604
Fax: 00385 23 388 139