Team

Meet the team!

Our small but effective team of enthusiasts, composed of heritage, travel and organization lovers, is well equipped to meet the challenges of modern tourism. We have been brought together by destiny, creativity and passion for our work and we all agree that the most valuable benefit and the ultimate reward for our efforts is our clients’ satisfaction, as well as preservation of the cultural and natural treasures of Croatia and the surrounding countries.

Robert Bralić

CEO – Ventula Travel

As the founder of Ventula Travel DMC, Robert is our creative leader and the author of all Ventula’s programmes. Being a professional tour guide, a history, food & wine and archaeology lover, it was only logical for him to start an independent entrepreneurial signature story.

Well-travelled since the early 90`s, Robert was lucky to have been involved in a wide range of businesses and activities that have all merged to make him a master in destination management.

Katarina Vukšić

Natural Born Manager

With her 15 years of organizational experience, Kate is a natural-born manager and the core of our company business. In addition, all this time she has been actively participating in the local community and leading the family-owned olive oil company.

Since the mid-90`s, Kate has been blessed with an opportunity to work directly with many different people, because in Croatia olives are everybody`s business, so to speak. Therefore, it is no wonder that we sometimes call her the Queen Bee.

Jelena Vrdoljak

Tourism & Hospitality Management

In her own words, Jelena has joined our team in order to achieve her maximum potential in a dynamic and innovative work environment that encourages the application of her knowledge, skills, experience and creativity. Now, it is up to us to keep building the work environment that she deserves.

While Jelena`s BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management and a professional career in travel industry in different Croatian regions have been a true added value for our company, her politeness and devotion to both colleagues and clients are the icing on the cake of the qualities that she possesses naturally.

Boris Mirko

Operations Manager

Boris is the new blood in Ventula Travel DMC and wants to soak up as much knowledge as possible. In his own words, he tries to be comfortable under any circumstances. Leading groups and individuals, he travelled a reasonable amount and experienced much of the world, but is still hungry for more. His MA in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology opened up new horizons for him, horizons he yearns to explore and expand. When he’s engaged with something, he tries to make the most of it, like a Formula 1 pilot. He is grateful to work in some of the most exciting and giving environments he has ever worked in. Bosses at Ventula particularly like him pursuing a Nigel Mansell look, especially because of the surname (Man-sell) ????.

Katarina (Katy) Šimičić

Operations Manager

Welcome aboard the Ventula voyage, where we’ve just doubled our Katarina quota because, hey, one wasn’t quite enough! Meet Katy, our newest addition to the squad. She’s dedicated to maintaining cosmic order while delving into every intricacy with her exquisite attention to detail. Armed with an MA in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Katy’s career journey has set sail in the same direction, complemented by her calm and stable demeanor, adding a cool and stable dimension to our team. Why? Because for her, the magic of tourism isn’t just about ticking off the places off the bucket list, it’s about the people-powered adventures that make every day a whirlwind of wonder. It’s about the change that the traveller brings home!

Irena Škarica

Fine Tuner

Along with her well-grounded self-confidence, Irena has also brought a nice burst of positive energy to our small team. Her MA in English and Italian language and literature, experience in tourism & hospitality management, and passion for travel, music and photography have contributed tremendously to our professional portfolio. An attentive listener with an always-smiling face, she is a true joy to be around and to work with.

Đina

Security ?

Obviously fearless and bloodthirsty, she can melt even the meanest of hearts using only her energy and appearance. Her keen sense of smell is an invaluable tool for us during any site inspection. Her PE-digree in sincerity and spontaneity is a never-ending inspiration to human beings burdened by deadlines. Her hobbies are chasing cats for fun and eating ping-pong balls, while she can fight like a lion against a vacuum cleaner of any size, but only if it`s turned on.

Enquire about our tours and packages!

Our valued altourists have spoken...

Liana Muresan, New York (USA)

The Ancient Salona program has been one of the most fantastic travel experiences I’ve ever had. It’s overflowing with historical and cultural depth, from participating in the archaeological excavations of Salona, to exploring several cities and sites, both on and off the mainland, led and organized by the incredible Robert, who went above and beyond to make sure we had a truly great experience. The program included 2 weeks of hard but rewarding digging under the overview of the ever
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Alex Shulman, Illinois (USA)

It is a 5 stars archeological and cultural tour of Croatia. With every minute planned by Robert to the last detail. Robert takes care of each person in the group based on individual needs and preferences. I had many guides and tours in my life but nothing even close to the one Robert provides. Hotel is located right near Salona excavation site with beautiful view on the park from the room’s balcony. Room is very nice and clean. WiFi works
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Daniela Wojas, Illinois (USA)

Ventula Travel made me fall in love with Croatia and archeology. The trips we were on, the food, wine, and company were truly outstanding. I had the pleasure of meeting the most intelligent and interesting people with unique hobbies and vast knowledge. Trips to the Archaeological Museum in Split and the fortress of Klis will forever remain in my memory. Just as diving in the submerged port of Siculi settlement. In addition, I absolutely LOVED the excavations in Salona –
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Laura A., Washington, (USA)

I had an excellent trip to Croatia planned by Robert and Jelena. The food was excellent, the tours were all great, and the hotels were very deluxe. The Hotel Adriana in Dubrovnik was especially nice; we had a great view from our room and there was a nice area you could swim in the Adriatic right from the hotel. We also had a great meal at their restaurant. The second half of my trip I spent helping on an archaeological
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Jessica E., Maryland (USA)

I’m not used to taking packaged trips. I usually do my own research and planning for travel. But I feel like I got to know the area on a level I haven’t with other destinations. I think you’ve fundamentally changed how I approach traveling from now on due to how wonderful this experience was. Thank you for hosting us and letting us take part. The attention to detail was phenomenal. Everything worked like clockwork. Everyone we met was wonderful, on
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Mary Frenkel, Texas (USA)

Best vacation ever! Robert planned it perfectly and thought of everything. I loved how he could customize the packages according to my needs and wishes and was always available when I needed him or had questions before and during the trip. He personally selects only the best guides, hotels etc he knows for the best quality/experience for his clients. I will be booking all future travel with him and recommend him to all my friends and family. My trip was
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Peter Eger, Colorado (USA)

The memories, experiences, tours, knowledge, and the digs I participated in are definitely worth it. Everything included with this experience (our tour guide Robert, food, hotel, etc.) was also very top-notch and high quality, with no downsides whatsoever. I’ll definitely be coming back, as this trip was a life-changing experience in terms of both leisure and work. My highest thanks goes to Robert, Dino, and everyone else who makes this wonderful trip work smoothly!

Adam Poulus, Brisbane (AUS)

I’ve been wanting to come Croatia for about 25 years and when the opportunity to visit and experience my first archaeological dig came up I just had to sign up. I spent 6 weeks altogether in Croatia, but it was the last 2 and a half weeks on the Ventula tour that I really enjoyed the true Croatia. Robbie is highly organised with a range of engaging add ons (included in the price except for the scuba diving). The second
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Katya Perez, San Diego (USA)

The excavation was fantastic! I was able to learn so much about ancient Roman archaeology and enhance my education in archaeology and environmental studies. Croatia is now my favorite country that I have traveled to within Europe, and I will definitely be returning. All of the excursions that I was able to attend were absolutely fantastic! There is so much history and culture – truly such an amazing program and destination.

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