Our journey from Venice to Croatia was an adventure filled with festive charm, challenging weather, and a rewarding end.

Our first stop was Rijeka, where we stayed near the enchanting Trsat Castle, a historic castle perched high above the city. At Christmas, the castle transforms into a magical fairyland, illuminated with twinkling lights that make it feel straight out of a storybook.

We spent the evening exploring the beautifully decorated grounds and stumbled upon Santa in his magical grotto. Santa was everything you’d want him to be warm, jolly, and full of energy. Georgia had a wonderful chat with him, sharing stories about our travels, while he listened with genuine interest and laughter. It was a magical experience that left us all feeling the festive spirit.

The next day… we set off for Šibenik, only to encounter extreme weather. Torrential rain that quickly turned into fierce winds and eventually, inevitably a blizzard that covered the roads in deep snow. For about 80 miles, we followed snow ploughs and trucks plodding along at 30mph, navigating icy roads and barely able to see through the storm at times.

We needed to fuel in the car so a much needed stop at a petrol station gave us a break from the chaos, we had some lunch in the warm too, but even in that short time about 30 mins over two inches of snow had piled up on the roof of our car. We continued onward and the journey was tense, but things took an unexpected turn when we reached the Sveti Rok Tunnel, a 5 mile passage through Croatia’s A1 motorway.

The tunnel is known as the climatic divide between the cooler northern mainland and the warmer Mediterranean climate of Dalmatia. Honestly, driving through felt like entering another world on the northern side, we faced fierce snow and ice, but emerging on the Dalmatian side, the snow was gone, replaced by drizzle and clear roads. It was an incredible moment that highlighted the dramatic contrast in Croatia’s weather.

After such a challenging journey, arriving at our apartment was like stepping into a dream. This place is incredible spacious, beautifully decorated, and full of thoughtful touches that make it feel special. It’s been the perfect haven for relaxing after a day of adventure, and it’s one of the best accommodations we’ve stayed in so far so choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference especially when you need a well deserved rest.

The post Driving from Venice to Croatia: Festive Trsat Castle, Snowy Šibenik, and an Amazing Stay appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

I think that Dubrovnik in December is a traveller’s dream. Warm sunshine, quiet streets, and breathtaking views make for an unforgettable family day out. If you’re considering a trip to this stunning Croatian gem, which is possibly the best place I’ve ever visited (at least so far) here’s a taste of what we did..

We kicked off our day with a walk around Dubrovnik’s famous city walls, basking in the warm December sun. The panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town were stunning to say the least the peaceful streets below made it all the more special the beauty of a December visit.

Inside one of Dubrovnik’s charming museums, Georgia and Dotty found themselves colouring, laughing, and playing on a fun pirate ship. It was the perfect way to engage their imaginations while giving us a chance to explore the cultural side of the city.

After a quick lunch, we hopped on a boat to Lokrum, better known as Peacock Island. The natural beauty of this small paradise is literally out of this world. From sitting on the Game of Thrones throne (yes, the actual Iron Throne!) to wandering through lush botanical gardens and discovering a quiet sea pools wells and old forts, it was a must see if your in Dubrovnik.

It has a decent play area for kids, so we spent some time there then we explored the abbey basement, a place filled with history and intrigue.

IMO Lokrum is a must-visit if you’re in Dubrovnik, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a fan of Game of Thrones.

Back on main land in the old city in Dubrovnik, we treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream while strolling through the atmospheric Old City. As the sun began to set, we soaked up the charm of the cobbled streets and stunning architecture. It’s hard to imagine it was ruined in the wars of the 90s?!

Honestly, Dubrovnik is a city that lives up to its reputation. Its beauty, history, and charm are unmatched, and there’s something for everyone pretty much whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a family.

Tomorrow, we’re diving into Game of Thrones history with a guided tour! Stay tuned as we explore the iconic filming locations that made Dubrovnik world-famous.

Have you visited Dubrovnik? If not let us know what you’d love to see!

Learn more about Dubrovnik in December!

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Dubrovnik never ceases to amaze, blending its rich history with unexpected delights. From exploring Game of Thrones filming locations to ice skating by the beach, Day 2 offered the perfect mix of fantasy, family fun, and adventure. Whether you’re a fan of epic TV dramas or just love discovering something unique, Dubrovnik seems to have it all.

Our day began with a journey through the iconic Old City, where we joined a Game of Thrones tour. Walking through these narrow, sunlit streets, it was easy to imagine being transported to Westeros. We stood at the gates of the Red Keep, retraced Cersei’s infamous “Walk of Shame” down the legendary steps, and heard fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from our guide (who was a shitless slave). Even without watching the show, the city’s medieval charm is enough to captivate anyone. But for fans like me, it was pure magic to see the locations brought to life.

After soaking in the fantasy world, we shifted gears and made a stop at a local play area. Georgia and Dotty were thrilled, burning off some energy as they ran and climbed, then we popped to a small cove where Geogia looked for sea glass (the best treasure). Their joy in these simple things reminds us why these little moments are just as important as the grand adventures.

Later in the afternoon, we decided to mix it up and caught a bus to a beach that promised a unique surprise an ice rink! Yes, ice skating by the Adriatic Sea. Georgia and I laced up our skates and spent 45 unforgettable minutes gliding (and occasionally wobbling) on the ice. It was such an amazing experience to enjoy a winter activity in this coastal paradise. For a moment, we forgot we were in sunny Croatia!

Once our legs were tired from skating, we took a peaceful walk down to the shore. The beach was serene, the waves lapping gently as we strolled along the beach. Rounding the corner, we discovered even more hidden beauty rugged cliffs meeting the clear blue waters, framed by the soft light of the late afternoon. It was the perfect way to wind down after such an eventful day where Georgia spotted Fish, Starfish and Sea Urchins in the clear water from the edge.

Dubrovnik is a city that offers surprises at every turn, blending history, nature, and family-friendly fun in ways you might not expect.

Thinking of visiting Dubrovnik? Don’t just stick to the old city walls. Dive into the unexpected! Take a Game of Thrones tour to see where fantasy meets reality, let the kids run free in a local play area, and, if the season is right, try something completely out of the ordinary like ice skating by the beach.

What’s your perfect mix of adventure and relaxation? Let us know in the comments or share your favourite family travel moments!

Learn more about Dubrovnik Adventure!

Learn more about Dubrovnik Adventure!

The post From Westeros to Winter Magic: A Perfect Family Day in Dubrovnik – Day 2 appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

What happens when you mix a winding goat-track adventure, a surprise Santa on motorbikes, and the biggest swimming pool you’ve ever seen? A perfect finale to our Croatian adventure, that’s what. Here’s how we spent our last magical day in Croatia and why it’s a memories that we will cherish forever.

Our last day in Croatia was nothing short of perfect. We started the morning with plans to take the famous Dubrovnik cable car to the summit for panoramic views. But the cable car was closed for the winter! Not to be defeated, we hopped in the car and attempted to drive up. After a few wrong turns onto what felt like a pebble goat track (Google Maps, you owe us an explanation!), we eventually made it to the top.

The views? Absolutely worth it.

From there, we headed to Cavtat Bay, a gorgeous spot near Dubrovnik, with the sun beaming down. Our goal was a simple one: lunch with a view.… however, as always Croatia had more in store for us. As we wandered the coastal path, we come upon a children’s Christmas party. The music, the festive cheer, and then Santa Claus himself arrived with a gang of motorcyclists! Gifts were handed out, and the kids couldn’t believe their luck. It was such an unexpected pleasure to join in with the local festivities.

Next, we made our way to a play area overlooking the bay. The kids had fun and burned off some energy on the equipment and we enjoyed a peaceful lunch. The combination of family fun and stunning views made for an idyllic afternoon.

But the day wasn’t over yet. Back in Dubrovnik, I discovered one of the largest swimming pools I’ve ever seen “Gruz” with an impressive 3000 spectator seating it was a pristine Olympic-sized pool, practically deserted only (5) people in it. I asked the attendant if we could swim, (he was watching a western movie) he said yeah, and to my surprise, it was just 3 euros for adults, with kids swimming for free. If this were in the UK, it would’ve been packed, Georgia was the only kid!

We started in a smaller pool that overlooked the Olympic one a 20 metre by 5 metre that was perfect. With just a handful of lane swimmers below us, we swam for hours, enjoying the peace and space.

To finish, we couldn’t resist hopping into the Olympic pool itself for a few widths just to say we had swam it, and honestly it’s massive!

Anyhow, It was the perfect way to end our Croatian adventure with some festive fun, outdoor beauty, and a refreshing evening swim.

If Croatia isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, let this be the nudge you need. From unexpected surprises to unforgettable moments, it’s a destination that keeps giving. Don’t miss the chance to create your own magical memories in this incredible country.

Next Stop:

Tomorrow, we head to Bosnia. Stay tuned to find out what’s waiting for us there because if there’s one thing we’ve learned on this journey, it’s that adventure is always just around the corner.

The post Croatian Finale: Adventure, Festivities, and the Ultimate Swim appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

After an eventful day of rescuing elves (yes, really!), we made our way to a cozy apartment near Plitvice Lakes, booked through Booking.com. With the snow still blanketing the ground from the previous week, the entire area looked like a scene out of a winter fairytale.

The next morning, we set out to explore the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hills dusted in snow made the emerald waters of the lakes shimmer even more beautifully. We strolled along the trails, marvelling at the cascading waterfalls and taking in the serenity of the surroundings. After some quality time soaking in the views, we grabbed a comforting hot chocolate while waiting for the boat that would ferry us across the lake. The short ride was peaceful and gave us a new perspective of the landscape before we hopped on a bus back to the starting point.

With Plitvice behind us, we hit the road again for our next stop: Camp Terme Jezerčica. After about two hours of driving, we arrived at the family-friendly resort, and Georgia’s eyes lit up the moment she spotted the indoor pool. It was nearly 5 PM, and while the outdoor waterpark was closed for the winter, the resort’s indoor offerings were more than enough to keep us entertained.

We quickly changed into our swim gear and headed to the pools, which included three indoor heated options, a dedicated kids’ area, and even indoor slides. The evening turned into a splash filled adventure with smiles, laughter, and fun for all of us. Georgia and Dotty couldn’t get enough of the slides, and even Ali and I found ourselves caught up in the fun.

By the end of the day, we were all feeling a bit knackered, understatement of the year! but it was well worth it. From snowy landscapes to poolside adventures. Now we’re ready for whatever tomorrow brings!

If you’re looking for a family-friendly escape with a mix of outdoor wonder and indoor fun, both Plitvice Lakes and Camp Terme Jezerčica should be on your travel list.

Tip:

• Visiting Plitvice Lakes in the snow is magical, but bring several warm layers and sturdy shoes for the trails.

Stay tuned for more of our adventures as we continue exploring this magical part of the world!

Learn more about Winter Wonderland Adventure!

Learn more about Winter Wonderland Adventure!

The post From Plitvice Snowy Lakes to Poolside Adventures appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our day started with a splash—literally! We spent the entire morning at Terme Jezerčica, diving into the pools, whizzing down the slides, and soaking in the amazing atmosphere of this family-friendly thermal retreat. Dotty, as always, stole the show with her adorable splashes, but all that fun tired her out, and she drifted off for a much-needed nap.

While Dotty rested, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch, refueling for the second half of our day. Then, with the promise of festive cheer, we headed to Zagreb’s famous Christmas markets. The air was filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and holiday joy as we wandered through the charming stalls. Georgia and Ali couldn’t resist another round of ice skating—our little pro was eager to show off her moves!

Afterwards, we warmed up with a cup of velvety smooth hot chocolate that tasted like Christmas in a cup thick smooth and moorish. For dinner, Ali tried the Mexican-inspired mac and cheese, which packed a delicious kick, while Georgia stuck to her classic favourite: good old mac and cheese. I, on the other hand, couldn’t resist the lure of a proper frankfurter a festive market treat.

With full stomachs, we soaked up the magic of the markets one last time, strolling past twinkling lights and festive decorations. But the adventure didn’t stop there. Sadly our train home was unexpectedly cancelled and relocated to a different platform. Unaware of the change, we ended up hopping on the wrong train!

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before we realised our mistake. At the next station, we switched to an old-fashioned “chugger” train that rattled and hummed its way back to our starting point. Eventually, we found the right train and then made it back home, albeit much later than planned.

Despite the detour, we arrived home happy, knackered, and already laughing about our unplanned train adventure. It’s these little moments the mix of magic and mishaps that make travel so memorable. Today was a day full of stories we’ll be telling for years to come.

And now, with tired feet and warm hearts, we’re ready to do it all again tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Learn more about Family Travel Experience!

Learn more about Family Travel Experience!

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