Testimonials
Croatia Only Tours with Joe and Bette was my best trip ever and I have traveled extensively around the world for the past 25 years. The experience was so personal, we all became like family and there was no expense spared in showing us Croatia in First Class style. Read more
We saw it all, laughed continually and Joe and Bette made each of us feel so special. Thank you, I'm looking forward to future fun and adventures with Croatia Only Tours.
Sue Hitschel, Illinois
Croatia indeed is a beautiful country and I know we would never have found some of the special places on our own. This will be one of our most memorable vacations. Thanks to Croatia Only Tours.
Teddy Norris, Missouri
The journeys we made in Croatia were truly astounding. How fortunate for all of us that you showed us the real Croatia and off the beaten path. Read more
I never felt that we were a herd of cattle, rather a very special and selective group that got to see and experience Croatia the way it was meant to be seen. Thanks for sparing no expense and allowing us to do it all in a truly first class manner.
Yvonne Smith, Colorado
I usually return from a trip that I've enjoyed, develop pictures, talk about it for a month, and then move on. But that Croatia trip - and all of you - made a different and more permanent imprint. I can't get over Croatia, and you all made the impact greater.
Joan Silverlieb, Virginia
How fast we Americans can get back into the grind of our every-day routines once returning home from vacation, and it's much the same in my case. The difference this time though is that I do so with a grin from ear to ear and a clear picture of my fabulous time in Croatia.
Marie Talian, New York
Joe was super organized and his knowledge of the country, the people, the food, the restaurants and everything else made a real difference. Bette was great and made the tour seem like an adventure with a group of friends. She provided the perfect balance with Joe.
Jerry Doyle, North Carolina
I never thought my trip to Croatia would be as rewarding, as relaxing and as interesting as it was! Each day was nicer than the previous.
Tammy Wendinger, Washington
What a wonderful time we had. We felt like we were welcomed in to your family and were led on a wonderful adventure in a beautiful and diverse land.
Bob Kretsch, Colorado
I don't know how Bette and Joe keep up their enthusiasm, but it came through loud and clear how much they love Croatia and wanted us to enjoy our time there!
Nancy Beaurivage, New Hampshire
We had a fantastic time, our best tour ever! The personal tour made the country come alive.
Mary Senio, Washington
Croatia Only Tours quickly became a vacation with good friends, (Joe and Bette), who have been there before, know where to go and take care of all the details - a wonderful time!
Lisle Wade, Texas
This has been the best tour we have ever been on! We feel we had the opportunity to experience the heart of Croatia. Thank you so very much for sharing the beauty of Croatia and its people with us.
Roy Nuttall, Alaska
Words cannot express my gratitude for having had this opportunity, you are very special people!
Jacque Magner, California
Your hospitality has gone far beyond any of the expectations I had for this wonderful vacation. I have been treated like a long-time friend. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have made possible.
Vern Cunningham, California
If you are wondering where to go on your next vacation, we would like to suggest Croatia. The country has so much to offer, from just simply relaxing in a beautiful location on the Adriatic Sea to taking day trips to close, unique islands. Read more
Then there is the beauty and history of the larger cities such as Dubrovnik or Split to spark your interest. Not only is Croatias history tantalizing, the architecture and landscape amazing, the food and drink plentiful and fabulous, but we felt completely safe while visiting the country.
We couldnt have ever experienced what Croatia has to offer without Bette and Joe Mandich who have been gracious hosts/guides. We have found the Croatian people to be very friendly and accommodating. Each trip presents another adventure to those who wish to seek another experience.
Pete and Linda Griego, Mead, Washington
We have traveled with Joe and Bette Mandich on 3 separate occasions in Croatia. Their hospitality and zest for life, deep respect and understanding of the culture, and knowledge of the historic landscape is insurmountable. We look forward to many more delightful excursions with the Mandich family.
Jalayne Boni, Seattle, Washington
If you have never been to the Croatian coast before, be prepared to be surprised, delighted and relaxed! This is one of the great beauty spots in the world clear blue water, sunny skies with mountains in the background and lots of islands to explore. Read more
Your hosts, Bette and Joe, will insure that you will experience Mediterranean hospitality with visits to local sites and restaurants with great food. No couple could be more reliable or enjoyable to spend a holiday with than the Mandichs! We know we joined them for a holiday in 2002 and keep in touch with them in Seattle.
Jan and Bill Drummond, Redmond, Washington
One of the reasons we haven't been back to Croatia is because we haven't been able to time it when Joe & Bette were going to be there. We wouldn't consider going back to Croatia without them! Read more
They made our trip one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Seeing Croatia through their eyes - with their passion for the country and its people is life-changing. You'll never want to vacation anywhere else!
Tony and Jennifer Lottis, Maple Valley, Washington
I can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed my trip to Croatia. Bette and Joe Mandich are fantastic tour guides. Their passion and knowledge of Croatia made my travel experience one of the best ever. Read more
The itinerary is well laid out, with a combination of well-selected sightseeing trips, wonderful dining experiences and plenty of free time to do your own exploring. Thanks to their knowledge, expertise and the uniquely personal nature of the trip, I believe I saw the best of Croatia. The pension and the Sosic family only add to the experience. Located on the most charming of streets in Brela with breathtaking views of the Adriatic and neighboring islands, the pension is quaint, clean and comfortable. And the Sosic family is truly the most courteous, accommodating and gracious of hosts.
I would strongly recommend Croatia Only Tours to anyone planning a trip to Croatia and only hope that I have an opportunity to return to Croatia with Bette and Joe in the near future. Thanks for a great experience!
Indrajit Bavan, Seattle, Washington
Croatia: Hospitality, Old World charm, affordability, cleanliness, and a comfortable climate. We found it all on our trips to Croatia. One can leisurely stroll along the seemingly endless pedestrian-friendly walkways overlooking the panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Read more
The omnipresent sweet scent of lavender leading to quaint restaurants adjacent to the promenade of small towns. We delighted ourselves with day ventures by boat to several islands. Dubrovnik was just a few hours' drive down the coast and more than lived up to its renowned reputation. We were especially impressed with the city/seaport of Split, located just a couple of hours up the coast. Split is abound in ancient history dating back to the Roman Empire and the city is oozing with traditional as well as modern day Croatian culture in the form of music, dance and theatre. The Croatian love and devotion to family is evident everywhere. We felt safer in Croatia than we do in Seattle. There is a natural welcoming by the Croatians to foreign visitors and they seemed proud and delighted to assist Americans in finding our way around. Food listed on the restaurant menus is varied and reliable in taste. From a staple such as mixed grill to uniquely prepared fresh seafood dishes to something as simple as pizza and salads, it is all there. Croatian red wines are notable and inexpensive.
Joe & Bette Mandich: Gracious, accommodating, fun-loving, and extremely knowledgeable about Croatia (especially knowing where to get the "biggest bang for the buck"). Joe and Bette are well-connected with the locals (Joe speaks the language) and were very flexible in meeting our needs. Tell them what you want and you'll get it ---- whether it be safe and reliable vehicle transportation to Dubrovnik or Split, a boating charter to some Adriatic islands or an upland river voyage, restaurant recommendations, or something as simple as monetary exchange rates and banking hours ---- Joe and Bette have the answers readily available. Everything but the weather forecast! (Although knowing the Mandich way, they'd probably find that for their guests as well). Some of our most delightful moments in Croatia were kicking back with Joe and Bette over a morning breakfast or evening dinner. Never a dull moment and laughter abounded all around!
Note: We traveled to Croatia in July 1999 and June 2001. Joe and Bette were so very kind to us by facilitating our accommodations at a wonderful pension in the seaside resort area of Brela. We hold cherished and remarkable memories of each of our Croatian vacations, neither of which could have occurred without Joe & Bette and the Mandich family. We absolutely recommend them as travel hosts and your connection to Croatia!
Alan and Kathy Martin, Olympia, Washington
Joe and Bette, Traveling with you throughout Croatia has been one of the greatest memories and experiences of my life. Being able to experience the history, the culture and places off the beaten path with Joe, who as a young boy walked on many of the same paths, provides a perspective that few will ever experience. Read more
I will always remember my first step out of the car when we arrived at the pension in Brela. It is still so vivid. Looking through the beautifully shaped pine trees onto the crystal clear turquoise sea with the islands and sailboat in the background and the white pebble beaches dotted with those laying in the sun or about to go for a swim in the 80 degree water all in the foreground, I remember saying: "If I had to turn around and go back this very minute, it would have been worth the trip. The boat trip to the small personal winery on the island that look the same today as they did hundreds of years ago, the exceptional restaurant on the top of the hill with the most amazing view, the opportunity to travel down the Dalmatian coast to the walled city of Dubrovnik with its endless shopping and fine restaurants, the stop at "the worlds best swimming hole" with the beautiful falls, Joe's village that he grew up in that hasn't changed since he was born, the scenic boat ride up the river that flowed between the mountains, the opportunity to sail out of Split... I could go on, for each day was magical and unique. Even though I am a Sailor that has traveled the world, I have never been to a place that has so much beauty and charm; yet, at the same time is so relaxing and restful.
Joe, Bette and the Mandich family thanks for showing Lu Anne and I such an exceptional time in one of the uniquely unspoiled places of the world.
Admiral and Mrs. Dennis Vaughan, Seattle, Washington
My trip to Croatia was so wonderful. Brela was absolutely picturesque and so relaxing; the perfect place to unwind from it all. I enjoyed exploring the little towns and heading into Dubrovnik with Monya Mandich. Read more
She was a wealth of information and showed me all the special sites and shops that I may not have found on my own. The Sosic's were so hospitable, the local cuisine delicious and the tours to Split and Dubrovnik amazing. I can't wait to go back!
Angela Sourapas Jones, Bejing, China
Wow, Croatia has forever spoiled us, it was the ultimate vacation. The beaches, the scenery, the islands, the Croatian people, Split, Dubrovnik and the conscientious hospitality of the Mandichs. We will be back!!!
Steve, Stephanie and Claire Tollan, Tacoma, Washington
Favorable articles by travel reporters on Croatia
