Terra Balka team

Born in Auvergne, in France, in the heart of the volcanoes, I left the mountains to settle in the middle of the Bolivian Andes, where I lived for 10 years. Passionate about Andean fabrics, it was only natural for me to launch my own ethnic fashion label, Las Gringas, to highlight the exceptional skills of Bolivian artisans. Steeped in the daily lives of Andean communities, I was lucky enough to explore the diversity of Bolivia’s landscapes, an adventure that opened the door to travel for me. This experience led me to take charge of Terra Bolivia, the Terra Group’s travel agency, which has enabled me to share my passion for this fascinating country.

Now, after several years in Zagreb, Florian and I have decided to set up our own incoming travel agency. Our mission: to help you discover new places. Come on board with us for a gentle journey through the islands of the Adriatic and their coastal villages, a real hidden treasure.

My favorite place
The island of Losinj, with its crystal-clear waters and small harbours where you can live the dolce vita.

My guilty pleasure
Ajvar, the traditional Balkan sauce made with peppers and aubergines. It’s delicious and one of the reasons I fell in love with Croatia!

My stress stroke
Criss-crossing the winding roads of Montenegro in a motorhome… Between vertigo and breathtaking panoramas, this country left me speechless.

Originally from Anjou in France, I discovered Terra Group as soon as I finished my Masters in Tourism. I headed for South America, to Chile, where I spent 7 exciting years with the Terra Chile agency.

From travel designer to manager, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the breathtaking landscapes of this country of striking contrasts, while creating unique itineraries over the years.

Today, it’s the call of the Balkans that drives me to offer you à la carte itineraries: hiking in the Triglav Park, brown bear watching, sailing on Lake Skadar, crossing the Balkans from one end to the other… I’m inspired by your preferences to provide you with the best experiences.

My favorite place
The wintry atmosphere of northern Montenegro, with its snow-covered landscapes and the vast expanses of Durmitor National Park. A haven of peace and adventure.

My guilty pleasure
Craft beers from Croatia and Slovenia! And if the tasting follows a good day’s hiking, I don’t even feel guilty 😉

My stress stroke

My irrational vertigo while visiting the Skocjan cave in Slovenia, with our daughter Anna (1) on my shoulders. A major challenge, but a memorable adventure!

I’m from Nancy, a city I adore love (and not just for its delicious French quiches!). But very early on, I realized that the world had much more to offer than what I saw around me.

From the age of 18, I caught the travel bug. I left as soon as I could to explore Europe, discover new cultures, meet new people and open up to new ways of life. I was always on the lookout for a new adventure!

During my 5 years at business school, I had the chance to gain a lot of experience in the commercial field, while living several expatriate lives. I spent a few months in Lithuania for an internship, then in South Korea as an exchange student. These experiences really enriched me, both on a human and professional level.

Working abroad has always been an obvious choice for me. So when I discovered Terra Balka, I immediately fell in love with the spirit of the agency and its values. Today, I’m lucky enough to be in charge of sales, with the aim of helping our travellers discover what I love so much about the Balkans: nature, hospitality, culture… and a little taste of adventure, of course!

My favorite place
The city of Split, with its Roman vestiges and its dynamism. It’s a city where you never get bored, and where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

My guilty pleasure
Taking swimming breaks whenever you come across a lake or creek.

My stress stroke

Croatian/Slovenian/Montenegrin… and everyone looks at you and smiles politely

Originally from Lille, married to a Spanish man, we settled in Zagreb. Passionate about travel and cultural discovery, I’ve had the chance to travel around Europe and North America, between work and escapades. Croatia never ceases to surprise me, every day, with the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its history. It would take me years to explore all the secrets of this country… and even longer to discover the mysteries of the Balkans!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

My favourite place

Rovinj! The pearl of Istria. To be discovered and rediscovered again and again.

My guilty pleasure
Chocolate in all its forms. Impossible to resist!

My stress shot
A sudden thunderstorm in Piran, Slovenia, while we were enjoying a quiet coffee. A crazy wind that nearly blew away our tables and everything on them, forcing us to take refuge indoors in a hurry!

In 2009, when I travelled by road from my home town of Charleroi (Belgium) to Asia, I set foot for the first time in what was then the former Yugoslavia.

After exploring nearly 80 countries, I had to admit one thing: there’s nothing like the Balkans!

The diversity of this region is incomparable, in terms of its people, its complex history, its culture and its gastronomy. The Balkans is not just a region with great tourist potential, but a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, a destination that never stops surprising and fascinating.

After six years working in the tourism sector, as an intermediary between local people and foreign travellers, it seemed obvious to me that I should join a project in line with my values. My aim: to share my passion and knowledge of this fascinating region with those who want to discover what is, for me, the most beautiful region in the world.

My favourite place

The road leading from Ulcinj to Ada Bojana on the Adriatic coast, a wild route with an ‘laid-back’ atmosphere. It’s a place where nature and peace prevail.

My guilty pleasure

Being invited by the inhabitants of rural Bosnia to taste a good rakija! There’s nothing like it for soaking up the local authenticity.

My stress shot

Skating along a narrow path after dark, with 300 metres of empty space beside you… Not the most stressful thing in the world!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been fascinated by travel, and Latin America has always been my favourite. After studying Spanish linguistics and educational engineering, I took off for Andalusia. But it wasn’t long before I felt the call of a great journey across the Atlantic… The ‘Gran Charco’ called me, and I didn’t hesitate! From 2006 onwards, I embarked on a series of professional experiences in France, then in South America: Mexico, Colombia and Bolivia. After 10 years in Bolivia, I fell in love with the Balkans and moved to Europe to discover every corner of Montenegro. And this country never ceases to amaze me! With its majestic mountains, turquoise waters, unforgettable hikes, crossroads of cultures and heavenly beaches… there really is something for everyone!

My favourite place

Ulcinj, a true jewel with a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Roman influences… An old town to explore endlessly, and wild beaches where you can lose yourself in complete serenity.

My guilty pleasure

Baklava. One, two, three, four… I can’t stop! These flaky delights made with almonds, honey (and sometimes orange blossom) are a real temptation. An Ottoman speciality that can also be found in Ulcinj, and I could eat them every day!

My stress shot

A big (very big) jump during a canyoning session on the Skurda river. A breathtaking experience in the Bouches de Kotor. An adventure that I recommend to all thrill-seekers!

Born in Cannes, with Croatian roots on my father’s side, I’ve always had this dream in my head: to move to Croatia. It was in 2020 that I finally took the plunge. Living in the country where I used to spend my holidays with my family was an opportunity to reinvent everything, to live closer to nature and people. It’s a real balance, between sea and mountains, an incredible country with an exceptional quality of life. And above all, visitors who are as enthusiastic as ever about discovering this corner of paradise where I’m lucky enough to live.

My bicultural Franco-Croatian identity, combined with my in-depth knowledge of Croatia and its surroundings, means that I can share my passion and enthusiasm for this country with you, helping you to discover its countless treasures.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

My favourite place
The Dalmatian hinterland, a place still untouched by mass tourism, where authenticity is intact. A treasure trove of natural, cultural and gastronomic delights.

My guilty pleasure

Peka, a dish cooked under a cast-iron bell, with lamb, veal, vegetables or octopus, slowly simmered over a wood fire. And of course, Burek, a deliciously addictive Bosnian puff pastry.

My stress shot

The frantic race to catch the last ferry linking the mainland to the island of Pag. We were lucky enough to get the last seat available for our car… Just in time!

Curious to rediscover these lands that had such an impact on me as a child, I returned to Croatia ten years after my first trip with my parents and sisters. The warm, almost festive atmosphere is still there – that inexplicable something that makes the Balkans so charming. And these towns with their intermingled influences, between the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Venetian touches and Ottoman vestiges… a real playground for lovers of history and architecture.

My favorite place
High up on a hill in Istria, Motovun seems frozen in time, almost unreal. My first visit left me with an almost mystical impression. Ten years later, the charm is still there. Below, an aura of legend; above, a breathtaking view of forests and vineyards as far as the eye can see. A setting worthy of a fairytale.

My guilty pleasure
Savijača od višanja, the cherry strudel. The name already sounds like a promise. A golden puff pastry, stuffed with tart cherries… each bite is a sweet and savoury explosion that sums up the region: simple, generous, surprising. Clearly the kind of delicacy you can’t get enough of.

My favorite place

It’s not easy to choose just one place, but Dubrovnik has a special place in my heart. With its imposing ramparts and fascinating history as a republic, every visit to the old town transports me back in time, where I imagine myself living in medieval times.

My guilty pleasure

It’s more like an addiction: having a quick coffee in one of Zagreb’s many cafés. Whether it’s with friends or on my own, I love to sit and watch people pass by.

My stress stroke

Catching the last ferry to the island of Lopud. The bus from Kotor was late, and this was my last chance to get to the island to work. It was a real sprint not to miss it!

Originally from Zagreb, I spent 20 years in France, in particular as a professional volleyball player. After working for Air France, I decided to pack my bags in 2018 and join Terra Balka.

As logistics coordinator, I look after relations with our guides, hotels and drivers, as well as finding new and original activities and accommodation to offer you unique experiences. What I like so much about this region is its gentle way of life, the diversity of its landscapes, its pleasant climate and its lively culture.

I love the Mediterranean atmosphere and the proximity of the Adriatic Sea and its heavenly islands. It’s a place where you feel at home.

My favorite place
The Adriatic Sea, with its unequalled transparency and serenity, particularly the Gulf of Kvarner, where I spent my childhood. A veritable jewel box of beauty.

My guilty pleasure
Strukli, those delicious ravioli from the Zagreb region, filled with soft cheese and topped with crème fraîche. A real local delicacy!

My stress stroke
A sudden storm during a family boat trip off the island of Krk. The adrenalin was pumping, but the experience was unforgettable!

My introduction to Croatia was a bit by chance, during a professional experience (already with Terra Balka), and I haven’t been back since. I’ve fallen in love with it. I love the capital Zagreb, which has a peaceful pace for a big city, and the incredibly diverse Adriatic coast. Each island has its own unique charm, and it’s a real paradise to explore!

My favorite place
Without a doubt, Slovenia, and more particularly the Bovec region. Here, nature is strikingly pure, and the Soca River is a mesmerising emerald green. I’ve tried walking along the river, rafting, waterfalls… It’s a place where you just want to go back again and again!

My guilty pleasure
🍷 A good glass of Istrian Teran, accompanied by local cheeses and Croatian olive oil… It’s one of my simple, authentic pleasures.

My stress shot
After coming across a snake while swimming in the River Krupa, in the Velebit region, I swam faster than ever! It was an adrenalin rush I won’t soon forget.

I was born in Zagreb, where I grew up surrounded by my family. I started learning French at primary school, which enabled me to work in various government departments, including the French Embassy in Zagreb for several years. After a brief period in the education sector, I found my true passion in tourism. I love sport, hiking and, above all, long motorbike rides with my husband. So it was with great enthusiasm that I joined Terra Balka, where my assignments allow me to discover new and fascinating corners of Croatia and its neighbouring countries every day.

My favorite place
I love getting lost in the wilds of the Croatian hinterland, beside rivers and lakes. My favourite place? A quiet, picturesque spot near the River Kupa, where I can really relax and reconnect.

My guilty pleasure
I’m a big fan of sweets, but my real weakness is Kremsnite – this deliciously light cake from the town of Samobor, near Zagreb. A pure delight!

My stress shot
A motorbike ride on Velebit, swept by violent gusts of wind. For the first time, I seriously wished I’d made the trip by car!