Cooking holidays & wine tours

Hi - now back.
In short it was a great holiday with very very little to fault. Location on Lopud was perfect for family and accommodation was exactly as you said ‘simple’ clean and comfortable hosted by a wonderful friendly local family ...all 1min walk from the front. Great breakfast that was straight from the garden in part and always abundant.
Our guide Nina was excellent always putting our safety first and adapting the itinerary to suit weather. She was a great host with the two families in our group and went out her way to keep us informed and even take photos to share when we were out on the water.
Transport arrangements were spot on - always there waiting at airport or ferry! Slight confusion that it wasn’t a TourDust sign but that was quickly solved.
Kayaking was a great adventure and a challenge some days but worth it for the stops on other islands and opportunities to swim, dive and explore caves. I suspect it could be a long day if your child is too young or not such a ‘water baby’ as once your in the kayak your in it! It is also a hefty bit of exercise on a two person kayak if the child in front isn’t up for paddling! I was fine except on one or two occasions where it was a bit of a struggle and I had to persuade him to do some more paddling for me.
Finally, your service has been great since we got in touch especially as it was a last minute decision for us to go. The speed in responding to queries on a personal basis and quickly was really great (very unusual these days!)
All in all a great holiday - my 11 year old had a great adventure he will talk about for years! So will I....
M. Cameron

murdoch C reviewing Family Sea Kayaking Holiday in Dubrovnik on 08 August 2019

We had a fabulous holiday thank you! Everything went very smoothly - accommodation was good, breakfast fantastic! The kayaking was great - really well thought out schedule with plenty of rests and time to relax. Lovely meals out.

Just wanted to add that our guide Nina was excellent. She worked really hard to ensure the whole trip went smoothly and that we were all happy with the pace, including giving the boys plenty of opportunities for jumping in off the cliffs!!

All in all a great trip! And all the admin side of things has been very efficient throughout.

Thank you so much!!

Kate T

Kate T reviewing Family Sea Kayaking Holiday in Dubrovnik on 05 August 2019

Both hotels were excellent. Sari Konak is in a superb location for visiting all the iconic sights. Our family suite was spacious, newly decorated and very clean. There was a separate room for our son and a kitchenette with ‘fridge and kettle. Good choice at breakfast and served on lovely roof terrace. Great views of Bosphorus. One evening, we caught the commuter ferry to Kadikoy for an evening meal. A great option if there isn’t time to fit in a Bosphorus cruise. Also recommend The Old House restaurant which is very close to the hotel. We were in Istanbul during Ramadan so there was a family atmosphere in the city late into the night.

Esbelli Evi was delightful; a huge cave suite, great character, two bathrooms, sitting room and kitchenette with a fridge well stocked with beers and soft drinks. Private, quiet courtyard with gate to communal areas. Breakfast choice was really good and plenty of outdoor seating. Easy walk into village. Favourite options for dinner were Ziggys (stylish outdoor roof terrace) and Urgup Pide (popular with locals).

Really must mention owner Suha Ersoz and his staff - all of whom are extremely kind and helpful.

All our transfers went smoothly. Our driver and guide (Gaia) in Cappadocia were excellent and our itinerary was fast paced and interesting. Lunch options were great, especially on the river at Ilhara. A highlight for me was spitting a wild tortoise!

Balloon flight with Kapadokya Balloons was well worth the money and well organised.

Tim S reviewing Istanbul & Cappadocia Family Holiday on 07 June 2019

On the first week the guides and staff were really flexible on times to transfer to and from Lopud which was really helpful. We were due to leave Dubrovnik on the 6 pm ferry on the Sunday but as it was so hot we decided to take the earlier ferry as suggested by the Adria rep.

Accommodation in Dubrovnik was comfortable. We explored a little outside Dubrovnik city and wondered if it might have been nicer to stay nearer one of the little coves, five minutes from the city gates to get out the city.

The sea kayaking week was excellent. Great guides and good trips. The accommodation was really comfortable - lovely family and the air condition was rather essential! I think we had booked a family trip but the guides asked if we would like to join a larger group which we did and this worked really well. Kayak trips were superb - about the right length and a good mix of destinations including the botanical gardens and lots of time to swim and snorkel. It was surprisingly manageable despite the heat. At the end we wished we had booked the 5 day tour. The farm evening meal was great fun.

The two nights at Hotel More were a lovely bit of luxury. Really liked the hotel - quite small and slightly away from the main areas of activity in the bay. Again good advice on how to get around from staff.

The second week with Huck Finn was also excellent. A good mix of activities - the rafting day in Bosnia was particularly good as we got to see a different country - quite a contrast with Croatia. Guides were again really good - very well informed and all trips were well organised. All transfers good. We had breakfast and evening meals with a local family which were lovely - lots of traditional cooking and they catered really well for different dietary requirements. The accommodation was rather more basic. We had two rooms on an upper floor with a shared bathroom so not our own space. It seemed that the accommodation varied quite a lot with others having small apartments with kitchens and fridges, which would have been helpful. Weather had cooled a little by then which was good as we would have had no means to cool the rooms down at night. Having said that our owner was a lovely lady - made us cakes and apple strudel when we came home at the end of the day.

All in all an excellent trip!

David W reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 25 August 2017

My kayak tour with Tour dust is an experience I will treasure forever. I believe Johnny is exactly the type of guide everyone hopes for on a trip like this. Upbeat, funny, enthusiastic, and an incredible level of skill in this sport. I have been kayaking for many years, but, being over 60 years old now, I certainly appreciated knowing we were in such very, very capable hands.
And the other people who took part in the trip? What a great bunch! It's hard to believe we were mostly complete strangers just one week ago. I will treasure those friendships forever as well.

Stephen M reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 06 October 2014

On our final night now in Dubrovnik sadly.

Thoroughly enjoyed the first half Tourdust arranged with all the kayaking etc. our son was very sad to leave and preferred the earlier part of our trip to the second half chilling by the pool!

Accommodation was 'ok', activities were just enough, some people couldn't keep up with the amount of kayaking but for us it was just the right amount. Johnny and Mattie were superb, they went out of their way to ensure everyone was happy all the time (I hope Tourdust look after them as they are a great asset to the company!!).

They took us to some great restaurants, arranged all the transport and ensured everyone was safe during the activities.

5 out of 5 to you guys, we hope to be back!!

Richard J reviewing Family Sea Kayaking Holiday in Dubrovnik on 22 August 2014

A few comments on our recent trip
Organization Excellent including pick up and drop off
Our guide Amir was friendly, spoke good English, and competent as our instructor / guide, he went out of his way to give us a good holiday.
Accommodation , First island was fantastic with a friendly family, Breakfast was outstanding
second island was good although the breakfast wasn't up to the standard if the first.
Equipment was all of good quality and in good condition
overall the holiday was relaxing , enjoyable with sufficient paddling for two experienced paddlers,
the restaurants and bars produced food which was fresh, tasty and reasonably priced
we would highly recommend the holiday to friends and family
we will hopefully return again to do more in Croatia in the future

Andrew A reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 08 July 2014

I had a great time on my kayaking trip. The transfers/transportation were right on time and well-organized, the accommodation was comfortable and the meals were just fine. Our guides, Amir and Ivan were amazing and should be recognized for their warmth, skill, flexibility and all around greatness. Our group had a nice mix of solo/couple/group travellers and we got on really well.

One thing to note is that the trip description says that no skill beyond reasonable fitness is required. I'm more than reasonably fit, but I found it quite difficult to cover the distances scheduled for each day in the conditions we encountered. So, you might consider making a note that beginners or people without significant upper body strength might find solo paddling to be quite challenging. That said, Ivan was so patient and supportive as I struggled my way through. I'd probably still be out there paddling if it wasn't for him!

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in seeing a quieter side of the Croatian coast.

Andrea S reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 07 July 2014

The trip was so well organised, and all the staff were great. The kayak equipment provided was fine for both beginners and the more experienced in the group, and both our guides were brilliant. Accommodation was good, and it was lovely to stay with a local family. We all loved the pancakes for breakfast served with lemons from the garden! All the group felt that we had experienced a very real side of Croatia and there was an excellent balance of guided and independent time.

Julie B reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 30 June 2014

My first time to Croatia, very impressed with the organisation from Tourdust, from booking, suggestions and assistance, to airport pickup and transfer.

Each day was planned by the guides and very well arranged. We'd meet for breakfast and discuss the itinerary. Nothing was set it stone, as such, and our feedback was welcomed.

The guides knowledge on history was amazing. Very thorough, and faultless English. Felt very comfortable asking questions of all kinds. We visited where "Game of Thrones" was filmed (tv programme) and also a botanic garden.

The kayaking was fun, we stopped for swims every now and again, and to visit caves. The ocean was pretty flat / calm most the time, which was nice.

The food was lovely and we ate in a variety of restaurants, which had been carefully chosen by the guides. All types of fish were served. And... If you ask to see the fish... Don't be surprised when it turns on with their heads on!!! (which I found out the hard way).

The Accommodation was very comfortable, especially on nights 1-4 in Lopud, with air-con, bathroom and balcony.

Very enjoyable trip, thank you Tourdust

Name W reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 18 June 2014

On the whole, I had a lovely time - the group dynamics weren't the best, but then I realise this isn't something you have any control over. The group size was good, and the kayaking and location were great.

My accommodation on Lopud was fine (clean but basic), though much nicer on Sipan (larger room with kitchenette and lovely location). I thought the single supplement was a little bit steep though.
Kit list - it might be worth reminding people to take a plug adaptor if they're from the UK.
Food - the breakfasts provided lacked a bit of imagination but were fine. I felt it worked well to have some lunches/dinners provided and not others.
The team in Croatia took good care of us from arrival to departure, in terms of picking us up from the airport, being flexible re what time we wanted to transfer to the islands, looking after our luggage whilst we looked round Dubrovnik etc.
Our guide, Amir, got the right balance of being friendly without being intrusive. I would have liked to have been challenged slightly more in terms of learning new skills in the kayak (or tackling more difficult conditions) but he was v.willing to share his knowledge when asked. I felt very safe knowing I had a member of the Croatian white water kayaking team looking after us!

I was very impressed with Tourdust's service prior to departure - in terms of your prompt & helpful responses to my questions and friendly but professional manner. The trip details on your website were also very helpful. I would definitely use you again.

Anne K reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 18 June 2014

We had a very good holiday.In brief summary:
Amir, the guide was great.
The accommodation on Lopud was fine, very clean and when we asked for hot water and cups, a Thermos was supplied. Breakfast was also fine, apart from the coffee which was not good.
The evening meal which was included was not so great. Hannah and I both chose a vegetarian risotto but were then served vegetables with pasta which neither of us would have chosen and we did not enjoy. There was no choice for pudding and we were served some pancakes which again, we would not have chosen. I think that giving people more of a choice would be an improvement.
Transport was also fine, in fact the driver who collected us from the ferry, dropped us near a beach in Dubrovnik and recommended some places to go so we had a very enjoyable 3 hours while waiting for our flight.
Turned out that we were the only people in the group on the short trip and everyone else was there for the week. It would have been good to have been aware of this as it was all a bit odd when the information emerged.
Otherwise, a very good holiday.

Sarah Y reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 09 June 2014

Our trip was fabulous- everything and more than we expected. Your team could not be praised too highly, nothing seemed a bother to them.

Feedback as requested
Accommodation - basic Croatian house - lovely, just what we wanted !
Food - possibly one of the only disappointments - breakfasts very basic, tea and coffee not good but it was ok and we managed (this is after all how the Croatians eat !).
Transport - all great.
Guides - Mattias and Geevo (ignore spelling) - so pleasant and just brilliant , went out of their ways to accommodate us.

It must be noted that when in Croatia you are on "Croatian time" and therefore 8am could mean anything up to 10.30 but when you have the sun, beach and scenery to sit and watch whilst waiting of your guides - this was not really an issue after you got used to it.

One small note, you could well do in investing in some smaller kayaks and paddles for kids between say 8 - 14, they only catered for adults with these and you know yourself that the right paddle is important.

Mark out of 5 = 6 /5 So, all in all, a great holiday and now I have the job of trying to "top" this next year.

MARIE D reviewing Family Sea Kayaking Holiday in Dubrovnik on 21 August 2013

I'd just like to say thank you for arranging the Croatia trip, I had an amazing time and would do it again in a heartbeat :)

Ashvinder K reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 31 July 2013

Three 50+ year olds had a fab time on the Croatian Island Hopping Holiday in June 2012. The trip was extremely well organised, but we didn't feel as if we were being over regimented. The kayaks were well maintained and we had the option of singles or doubles. The kayaking was challenging, due to unusually high winds, but was manageable if not a little tiring. We paddled between 12 and 19km/day. On a very windy day, the water activities had to be cancelled, but they were replaced with an equally challenging and enjoyable hike. We had the services of the guide for an extra day at the end of the week, which should have been a free day, this was an unexpected bonus to compensate for the missed day at sea. The accommodation was basic but adequate, our room on Lopud didn't have air-conditioning, which was fine in June, but may be uncomfortable in August. Other rooms in Lopud did have aircon. The food was plentiful, very fresh and lovely.

Joy M reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 14 December 2012

Brilliant in every respect.

Robert W reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 14 December 2012

We thought this was a very well planned out trip. It had a good balance of kayaking and fun time. All staff we came across from booking, to transfer to guides were always very helpful and friendly. The staff in Croatia were always welcoming and forthcoming with help and information. We loved the island, the car free environment was fantastic. The island and its neighbors were beautiful, the water is stunning, I cant remember seeing sea that clear before. The children were never bored, if they weren't kayaking they were snorkeling and loved it. We all loved the banana boat ride and the speed boat trip.

On the last day three families chartered the local glass bottom boat, 1300 Kuna for the day (approx £10 per person) and we had a fantastic trip around other islands, snorkeling and swimming in new areas and a lovely lunch on anther islands. I would recommend this to other travelers. I think this was arranged through Irvana.

We would recommend this holiday and Tourdust services to friends in the future.

Claire H reviewing Family Sea Kayaking Holiday in Dubrovnik on 11 December 2012

I really loved this trip. Croatia is simply stunning and I will certainly go back there. Kayaking is a brilliant way to explore the beautiful coast. The highlights for me were the simple pleasures - exploring caves; playing around with my waterproof camera; the satisfaction of paddling over to the mainland in the heat of the day and once there, diving off the harbor walls.

I was already confident in a kayak so found the pace easy. Our guides were friendly, relaxed and helpful. The only downside for me for a spot of seasickness on the first day, but luckily the waters were much calmer for the remainder of the trip.

The food was typical Mediterranean fare - tasty and simple. My accommodation was just as I expected, a basic, comfortable guest-house with a friendly hug from my landlady at the end of my stay!

Can you please pass on my thanks to the excellent mainland-based tour guide who put himself out to drop me in Dubrovnik old town on Thursday and looked after my bags so I could explore, before driving me the airport that evening. That's the sort of helpful, friendly touch that you wouldn't get with a bigger company.

5 out of 5 for everything!

Anne-Marie C reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 11 December 2012

Amazing time, 6 of us joined the group, the two guides were so lovely friendly and very helpful. The guest houses on both islands were very traditional and very nice and the owners so welcoming. Ben and Anna at Tourdust made organising this group holiday very easy by constantly keeping in touch and answering questions etc. The kayaks and equipment was very good and each day was an adventure. I would highly recommend Tourdust to others. Thankyou for a very good holiday. Anne's group Norwich

Anne H reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 09 October 2012

We had a great time!!

Guides - 5
Accom - 4
Meals - 4
Prior - 4
Overall - 5

Paul R reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 28 July 2012

Would rate the trip as 6 out of 5. Don't think I can say anymore than that. Had a fantastic time with great paddling. My only problem was we didn't stay for the week. I will recommend it to as many people as I can and I will return. Great value for money.

Theresa T reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 22 June 2012

A great trip. There was a choice of single and double kayaks which were of good quality. The trips included a mix of coastal exploration and short crossings which was a good combination.. A star feature was a trip to a family small holding where we were fed copious quanties of home grown vegetables, goat and chicken reared on the farm and washed down with home made red wine and an interesting selection of liquers. At the end of the meal the guide got out is guitar and played and sang some classic English folky type songs. Accomodation but modest but fine and there was a good selection of restuarants. Obala on Lopad and the hotel on Sipad were very good value for a upmarket meal whilst the other restuarants we visited all had good fish.

Angela M reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 19 June 2012

The guides on our trip to Croatia were really fun, knowledgable and helpful. They seemed to know absolutely everyone on the islands which was really nice and they always tried to include everybody in everything, even if their first languages weren't english. The guides were awesome.

The accomodation was very nice and authentic, everything you could ask for was provided and the views from the balcony were quite something

The pace and amount of paddling were good, shame one of the days we couldnt get out because of the bad weather which made the next day a bit harder but still very enjoyable.

The whole holiday as a package was very good. Everything was organised well even when the tourdust van broke down at the start, a replacement form of transport from dubrovnik was straight there. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone interested in kayaking at all, because as a beginner i was slightly nervous at the start but thought i become quite good at the end, which is a testement to the guides and the trip really. I just wish i can get enough money to go again next year!!

David L reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 13 December 2011

I had a fantastic group, the local knowledge of the guides was invaluable in ensuring the group had the best possible experience. Great paddling, great guides, great good, great time had by all.

Tony L reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 19 September 2011

Sea kayaking is the ideal way to explore these beautiful islands. Warm clear seas, fantastic local cuisine and a very helpful company with local knowledge of all the best places to visit and eat.

Maureen B reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 12 September 2011

This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We enjoyed the kayaking whch was quite manageable even for a couple in their late fifties. The weather was brillinant and we met some really nice people. What more could you want - a bit of white water?

Neil B reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday on 29 August 2011

This is a great experience to see the real Croatia. I had never been on a group holiday before and was a little hesitant, however Filip and Radovan the guides were incredibly patient and I was blessed with a fantastic fun group.

Merihan T reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break on 17 June 2011