True to our personalities, we had to pick someplace a little different and off the beaten path. We wanted a unique and exotic culture, crystal clear waters, islands to explore, museums and ancient ruins, wonderful fresh food and good local wines, and to top it off someplace were we could stretch the weak U.S. dollar. Not a lot to ask, huh?!?! But after some research we think we found the perfect place: Croatia! <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/croatia/">Learn more here</a>

More specifically we are traveling to the Dalmation coast region, across the Adriatic sea from Italy and summer retreat of princes, kings, and czars since 200 B.C. Ancient ruins of castles, walled cities, and red-tiled roofs still exist along the coast and among the many islands of legend and lore. We will actually be touring the islands that inspired Homer to write the Iliad and the Odyssey! <a href="http://www.homer.com.mx/index.html">Learn more here</a>

We will fly from Ft. Walton Beach to Atlanta, then Munich, Germany, and finally to the middle of the Dalmatian coast to the city of Split. From there, a family will be picking us up and driving us across the world heritage site island of Trogir and over to our apartment on the island of Ciovo.<a href="http://www.apartmani-dubravka.com/en_apartman_3b.htm">See our apartment</a>

We picked this spot as our "base camp" due to the beauty of the area, as well as the ability to do many day trips to other sites along the coast we wanted to see. The closest of these is the island and ancient walled city of Trogir. <a href="http://www.trogir-online.com/eng/travel.asp">Learn more about Trogir</a> Then it is on to the mainland and the very large city of Split. This is home to such ruins as the palace of Diocletian and a variety of museums and street cafes to sit back and people watch (how European!). <a href="http://www.visitsplit.com/index.php?lang=2">See Split</a> Next on the list is the unique natural formations of the Krka National Park and the series of waterfalls along the river. <a href="http://www.npkrka.hr/html_en/fotogalerija_en.htm">See Krka</a> Finally after a long trip down the coast we will see the famous walled city on the southernmost peninsula of Croatia, Dubrovnik. <a href="http://web.tzdubrovnik.hr/classicdu.shtml">See it here</a> .

After 12 days of sunshine, fresh seafood, local wine, and local color, we take off for home stopping in Zurich, Switzerland, Atlanta, and back to Ft. Walton Beach. This is one of many places we hope to see during our lives together, so get ready for YEARS of slideshows and vacation photos!