We very quickly discovered that this entire day was going to be a "make or break" simply based upon our accompanying guide, driver, and now dear friend. Ivan very simply was the experience and made the entire trip one of the most memorable of our time in Croatia, Montenegro, and
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Bosnia.
To begin the day, even evening before, the communication and arrangements were solid. Ivan quickly demonstrated flexibility and was willing to address his schedule to ours, and we desired to start early, very early. Ivan was immediately gracious and welcoming upon pick up at our hotel, and just as quickly put us at ease with meaningful conversation, thoughts, and suggestions.
We had read up on the tour "path", but Ivan suggested his thoughts on alternatives that he felt from his experience would be more beneficial for our enjoyment and take advantage of the sites listed in the description. We placed our hands in his and said "let's go for it" and followed his direction. We could not have been more pleased. Out of the gate, Ivan suggested doing the tour in reverse order. Beginning with Montenegro in the morning. Take advantage of the morning lighter tourist traffic to "Our Lady of the Rocks". He was spot on and we thank him. Before entering into the Bay area of Kotor, Ivan stopped at this cliff side cafe. Our initial thought was quick pics and move along. We walked about briefly and Ivan encouraged us to enjoy a beverage and appetizer and relax in the view of the rising sun over the bay. OMG! We were so thankful for the encouragement and suggestion. We enjoyed a romantic glass of wine, beautiful views of the bay, Our Lady of the Rocks, and mountain side as the sun rose glistening across the bay. What a start and we were all smiles.
We chatted and shared stories with Ivan all day and found him to be extremely knowledgeable across many more facets of life and way more than "just a tour guide for the day". Again, his sharing, knowledge and open approach were so refreshing and so welcomed, it was the dessert and the venues we saw the cherry on top. We hopped back in the car and just kept thanking him for the suggestion and pic opportunities. We made our way around the bay and to his friends that gave us a lift over to walk and visit "Our Lady of the Rocks". The beauty of the trip was we felt it was our schedule, our day, our leisure, and not stuck to a timed itinerary and we got in what we wanted in the manner we desired.
After our leisure tour of the "The Lady", we returned and walked the area before rejoining Ivan. Needless to say, experiencing such venues are that much more memorable when you share them with someone special, as we walked hand in hand, we remarked to each other how fortune this day is taking shape with Ivan as our host.
We came around the bay to Kotor where Ivan dropped us off, parked briefly and gave us a complete suggested walking tour for the city, specific churches, the wall, and how to return in a circle without doubling back. Needless to say we took his advice completely. Along our walk, found this cozy little jazz cafe, warm music, smaller courtyard setting, impeccable service, and had another local glass offering and just enjoyed the ambience and our own conversation. Now Ivan would have certainly joined us, but certain aspects of tour guides, locations, certifications, and such; limit when and where he may do so and the manner. He thoroughly prepped us and explained and time flew and we headed back to meet Ivan and continue on around the bay. Pulling over for another beautiful vista picture that he took for us. Needless to say these pics have now been popping up in our memories ever since on our phones and oh are they ever warm and loving memories, and we immediately think of Ivan for such a special day.
We believe Ivan knows "everybody"! His friendly nature and demeanor shines and at all the border crossings across the trip, they were simply seamless and he shared smiles and laughs with all the agents. Even while in Bosnia, we came across an unexpected police inspection point, Ivan was cool, calm, and collected; and without incident we were on our way heading to Trebinje. Upon our arrival, we pulled into this quaint and warm little village pub completely rustic in its setting and the service was as friendly as one could imagine. The meal was HUGE and delicious! It was incredible and we were amazed at the quantity and value received for the price. We were stuffed for the final city tour and then later drive back to our hotel, for what had been a complete and fulfilling day and we deemed the experience worth every penny. Again, all the value we received we feel was because of Ivan. God Bless him, we are forever grateful for his time, and remain in contact via WhatsApp wishing him and his soon to be new bride our best.
We thanked Ivan immensely before he departed, and consider him our good friend. This tour and his engagement was most definitely one of the highlights of our Trip.
Jeff and Leetha