Marija Mance
I have always loved traveling, meeting new people and learning about their customs and beliefs. I experienced my first trips through sports, which I have been practicing for many years (and still do, as much as time allows). That's a great way to meet "real" people in different countries... and that has always remained the main motive of my travels.
Spending time in nature is something that comes naturally to me... from my earliest childhood I went with my parents to harvest grapes, pick mushrooms and wild asparagus. That's the reason I greatly appreciate the tranquillity that being in nature provides, and try to incorporate it into every trip.
As a foodie, I also always loved to taste different food and drinks, and I gradually became interested in history and architecture.
So, my interests are diverse, and I believe that the travel itinerary should be adapted to the special interests of each traveller.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Croatia and Slovenia are small, so it's really not a problem to get to know both countries well, and cooperate with extremely warm people who live here.
My interests are diverse, so I think that I can write equally high-quality programs for a young couple who wants a self-drive trip, as well as for a family with children, as well as for a luxury trip for the 30th wedding anniversary, as well as for a gastronomic adventure, as well as for a honeymoon..."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I started as a tour guide and representative in various European and North African countries. After 10 years, I retired from life in a suitcase and started working as a sales manager in an outbound travel agency specialized in group travel. I gradually realized how beautiful my country is, and decided to present its treasures to foreigners by creating customized itineraries - so, I went from the outbound to the inbound sector."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I was visiting Bali with my two friends. As usual, I decided to avoid the tourist routes as much as possible, so we rented a van and explored the interior of the island - volcanoes, temples, small remote villages... While we were exploring the Mother Temple, it started raining, and we got completely wet. We sat down in the van, soaking wet, and started without even knowing where we were going, and ran into a village where a procession was taking place. The road was jammed with people in traditional costumes, women carrying baskets of fruit on their heads... we opened the windows and filmed, and a little boy came up to me and held out his hand - and I ran out of sweets that I had brought to give to the children (I learned that in the south of Tunisia in the Berber villages) and I had nothing to give him. My face became sad and I must have looked all miserable with wet hair and clothes... and then a young woman approaches the van, gently pushes the child forward, reaches into the basket on her head and hands me a beautiful apple. For no reason at all, I just burst into tears - I simply felt some connection between all of us, understanding, love..."
Marija's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Favorite experiences
Family Farm Visit & Authentic Croatian Meal in Konavle
Just south of Dubrovnik is the beautiful Konavle region, which hosts various traditional villages. You'll join a local family at their farm in the little village of Cilipi. After touring the farm and getting to know your hosts, you'll learn how to prepare a delicious, authentic Croatian peka...
Sailing Tour: Blue Cave, Vis Island, Blue Lagoon & Pakleni Islands
This exciting full-day excursion covers the islands of Biševo, Vis, Drvenik Veli, and the Pakleni islands on a beautiful sailboat—a great way to explore the Adriatic and visit a few of the stunning and individual islands that make up the Dalmatian coast. You'll set out from Hvar Town and first...