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If you happen to be in Croatia during the Christmas time, you really shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the “Christmas Story” event on the estate of the Salaj family in Grabovnica. It all started in 2002 when the Salaj Family decorated their yard with 70 000 lights. I can’t even imagine how much work and preparation time this family puts into this event. In addition to the Christmas story, every year there is an Easter story on the estate, when the Salaj family welcomes their visitors with Easter chicks and bunnies.

Most people who like prosciutto probably know that there are two widely famous types of Italian prosciutto – the one from Parma (in the region of Emilia-Romagna) and the one from San Daniele del Friuli. The town is one of the most charming places in the area thanks to its diverse mix of history, art, tradition and specialties. The only thing I didn’t really like was the overpowering smell of the meat in the factory. The micro-climate in this area is necessary for the aging process as the winds blowing in from the Alps mix with those arriving from the sea.

Italy’s north-easternmost region is set between the Dolomite Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, with a complex history, its own language and a mixed culture. It is a picturesque small town in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of north-eastern Italy. Ponte del Diablo, or the Devil’s Bridge, is themain landmark of the city. Today you can safely walk across the bridge without your soul being taken by the devil, and enjoy the wonderful view of the city from the other bank.

While most people only know the coastal parts of Croatia, the eastern region is less-visited but equally interesting. Ilok is a quiant border town in eastern Croatia, about three and a half hours drive from the capital Zagreb. In the 15th century the castle in the middle of these walls belonged to viceroy Nikola Iločki and was later given to the noble Italian family Odescalchi. Principovac lies on a hill above Ilok, offering views of the Danube river and scenic vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.