We are going to be adding a larger selection of properties in Croatia over the next few months. Some of these are currently being renovated, so will be added as they are viewed and photographs are available.

Although parts of the Istrian coast have been more heavily developed with modern hotel complexes, on the whole development has been sympathetic and the main coastal towns of Porec, Rovinj and Pula retain their original charm. Inland, the countryside still feels amazingly rural and unexplored, with its wooded hills and valleys, vineyards and olive groves and pretty hilltop towns. Once in your villa, Istria is easy to explore, being only about an hour?s drive from top to bottom and never far from the coast. Culturally, the region has a rich heritage. The Venetians ruled here for 400 years, before Istria was incorporated first in the Austo-Hungarian Empire, then into Facist Italy and finally the Yugoslav Federation. There is still evidence of Italian influence, with Italian being largely the second language, and in the cuisine. Local delicacies include wonderful fresh seafood from the Adriatic, freshly made pasta dishes, cured ham, truffles and wild asparagus.

With its amphitheatre and other Roman relics, Pula is the largest town. The beautifully preserved amphitheatre hosts the Pula Opera Festival in the summer and is also used for other events throughout the year. Rovinj is a charmingly picturesque town with narrow, cobbled streets and its lively port lined with cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques. Porec is the most popular town as a holiday resort and among the numerous historical sites here, is the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, beautifully preserved and known for its gold mosaics. Each of these towns boasts an impressive daily open air market where a wonderful selection of fresh food can be purchased.

A car is necessary for most of the properties. This can be arranged in advance at the airport, or alternatively, a transfer can be arranged to the villa, and a hire car delivered to you there. For 2006, we are offering a transfer from Trieste airport to your villa free of charge if you book your car with us. The rental car will be waiting for you at your villa. The property will include maid service as stipulated in the individual descriptions, but a chef can also be arranged if required, as can cooking courses and massages. Suggestions for activities during your stay include hiking, cycling, sailing and fishing, all of which can be arranged through our local agents. A recommended excursion is a sailing tour around the Brijuni Islands, near Pula and made famous as the private retreat of Tito. Now a national park, the flora and fauna can be explored by electric golf cart, or guests can visit one of the island?s sandy beaches. Our local agents are also able to arrange charter yacht holidays and offer this as an option for those who would like to book one week in a villa and one week on a yacht sailing around the islands.

Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia which, with its rich vegetation, clear blue seas, islands and white pebble beaches, is arguably the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast. Our property to rent here is an imposing white stone villa, in a superb position facing the city and the island of Lokrum. The historic centre is within easy walking distance of the villa.