Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

FALL/ WINTER 2021 DREAMSCAPES 37 Along the cruise, you'll undeniably spot Hvar's spiny mountain ridge, which is the longest of Croatia's 1,200 islands, extending 68 kilometres. Capped by its highest peak, Mount Sveti Nikola (Saint Nicholas), from this perch you can prepare for jaw-dropping views of the turquoise-tinted sea and sur- rounding islands. For an equally impressive yet more accessible viewing point, visit For- tica Spanjola. The stone fortress is a gentle, pleasant walk from Hvar Town. The unique landscape of Hvar makes this a popular destination for travellers of all types including food and wine enthusiasts. WINES FIT FOR THE GREEK GODS Hvar island has an impressive winemaking history. Though vines were already culti- vated here by the early Illyrians, it was the ancient Ionian Greeks from Paros who set- tled and transformed this captivating place into arable land. They constructed stone walls and mounds along the island's steep slopes and created sloping vineyards. The Mediterranean climate is a boon for the thriving production of agri-rich crops, including olive groves, orchards, and lavender fields. Amid the island's bounty, you will find another local UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the intriguing land- mark of Stari Grad Plain. Containing the ruins of stone structures and evidence of ancient Greek agricultural planning, the early farming methods of grape and olive production involved a geometrical system of land division still in use today. Not to overlook Hvar's noble vineyards, this is home to Plavac Mali, Croatia's indige- nous, most highly esteemed red grape variety. Elegant, well-structured, and brim- ming with powerful, jammy flavours of ripe figs and black cherries, balanced by bold tannins and hints of herbs and chocolate, this wine lover can attest that Plavac Mali could easily rival some of the world's finest red varietals. Back in Split a week later, we return to the same restaurant for dinner. Tonight, it will be steak tartare with duck fat-fried potatoes paired with an exceptional bottle of the local Plavac Mali. Our server asks if we'd like some shaved white truffle on top. "Da, puno molim"—yes, lots please. DS TRAVEL PLANNER FLIGHTS: From Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal to Split, Croatia with one connection, often through Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. TOURS: Insight Vacations offers The Dalmatian Elegance, a 9-day guided tour of Croatia's magical Adriatic coastline. insightvacations.com/en-ca/tours/dalmatian-elegance HELPFUL WEBSITES: Croatia Tourism: croatia.hr/en-GB Croatian Food & Wine: croatia.hr/en-GB/experiences/gastronomy-and-enology LEFT: The St. Domnius Cathedral is located inside the walls of the Palace of Diocletian in Split, Croatia. Croatian National Tourist Board/Zoran Jelaca BELOW: A chef shaves a delectable Istrian truffle. White truffles from Istria are highly revered. Croatian National Tourist Board/Ivo Biocina OPPOSITE: Hvar's noble vineyards are home to Plavac Mali, Croatia's indigenous, most highly esteemed red grape variety. Croatian National Tourist Board /Maja Danica

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