EUROQUEST SideTracks

Confidence in tourism to Croatia has been on the rebound since the devastating war on the Balkans in the 1990s. Tourist Authorities in Croatia have been trying hard to restore Croatia's image as a desireable tourist destination rather than a war zone, and the effects can increasingly be felt all along the Adriatic Coast. Visitor numbers are up, but with the exception of Dubrovnik and possibly Split, most of Croatia's spectacular Adriatic coastline remains as yet underrated and thus perfect as a treasure-off-the-beaten-track destination. This particularly holds true to the many islands along Croatia's Dalmatian coast - among the most beautiful of which ranks KORčULA, or Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu), as it was called by the Greeks, the island's first settlers. See the full gallery on Posterous Arriving to Korčula by ship, guests are amazed at the scenic location of Korčula town on a small peninsula jutting out towards the blue Adriatic Sea. From afar we can

A prelude to blogs to come over the next few weeks... Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor Bay, Montenegro View over Kotor Bay from St. John's Fortress Sunset over Korcula, Croatia   More impressions coming up soon...please stand by...

As we are approaching the hottest time of year and everyone is seeking relief at beaches, pools and lakes, we are reminded once again, how very blessed we are to live in a city like Budapest, where 123 thermal springs are bubbling underneath the surface. While most tourists may focus on the Gellert Hotel & Spa with its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture or the large SZECHENY baths in the Varosliget City Park, the very venue where the famous picture was taken of 2 old men playing chess in the pool, few visitors venture further afield to discover the extensive thermal bathing options in and around the Hungarian capital. Yet savoring a visit to a nearby indoor or outdoor pool - particularly slightly further in the suburbs, may provide both relief from the hot summer weather as well as a worthwhile glimpse into local Hungarian culture, an integral part of which is the long tradition of thermal spas in the country. Assuming the weather is not cooperating and it happens to