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SLOVENIA & CROATIA TOUR (August 2008)
This summer I attended Slovenia and Croatia tour with my colleagues. There are so many places in Slovenia and Croatia that are really worth visiting but since we only had a few days off for our trip we only visited those representative tourist places. I posted this travel blog cause I want you to see what you are really missing ;)
The very first thing, of course, was meeting with our bus driver. Than we drove to Bled to spend a night at hotel Krim (3-stars).
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On day 2 we visited beautiful mountain resort Bled. If you are visiting Slovenia you just can't afford to miss it, it's really a nice place to visit and it definitely deserves to be called "the Alpine pearl of Slovenia". First we met with English speaking local guide who took us on a leisure stroll around Bled Lake. Than we boarded one of traditional "pletna" boats that took us to Bled Island right in the middle of Bled Lake. On the island we visited Church of St. Mary and rang its bell for good luck - several times :)
 Bled Island with St. Mary's Church |  Traditional "pletna" boat ride |
After arrival back to Bled we visited Bled Castle, standing on a high cliff overlooking Bled Lake. From there we enjoyed fantastic panoramic view of Bled Lake and Bled Island.
After visit of Bled Castle we went for lunch to local restaurant "Murka" where they prepared for us traditional Slovenian lunch: vegetable barley soup, grilled pork sausage with cabbage and apples and dessert "Bled grmada" - mmm, it was the right thing for my hungry belly!
 Bled Castle |  Lunch at local restaurant "Murka" |
After lunch we drove to Ljubjana, the capital of Slovenia, where we visited Preseren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, open market and Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The guide also took us to medieval Ljubljana Castle where we climbed spiral stairs to the Castle Tower. Since it was nice sunny weather we could admire a beautiful panoramic view of Ljubljana city.
 Preseren Square with Franciscan Church in background |  Dragon from Dragon bridge |  Ljubljana Castle with Alps in the background |
After Ljubljana sightseeing we departed for Postojna. We were looking forward to finally see Postojna Cave and mysterious karst underworld that everybody is talking about so much. After arrival we entered the cave and took a cave train ride. At the last stop we met with the guide for walking tour of the caves. We were walking the labyrinth of subterranean passages, filled with fantastical stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations. Postojna cave is also the home of proteus - also known as the "human fish".
 Postojna Cave train ride |  Human fish or proteus |
After that we proceeded to Plitivce for overnight. The hotel Plitvice, that we stayed in, is only a 2** hotel but it has nice bright rooms with plenty of space. My room faced the National park and before sleep I could relax listening to refreshing sounds of the waterfalls (though I couldn't see any...).
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Next morning we prepared for hiking in Plitvice National Park. First half of the way we took a bus that operates in the park so we didn't have to walk up the hill. Than we took a walk at the lake side. Since we didn't want to be too tired (we still had to visit Trogir this afternoon) we chose the classical route that lasts approximately 2 - 3 hours. Anyway, there are several routes that you can take (routes up to 6 hours also available). Emerald green water, trouts, waterfalls... and lots and lots of tourists!
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When our hiking tour was over we boarded a tourist boat and returned to parking lot where the bus was already waiting to take us for lunch. In restaurant called "Licka kuca" we tried "a must eat in Plitvice" - grilled trout.
 Licka kuca chefs |  Grilled trout with parsley and garlic |
After lunch we were ready to leave for Trogir. The main sights in Trogir are all centered in the medieval center, which is actually an island sandwiched between the mainland and the island of Ciovo (not to forget to mention that it is also inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). You could walk the Old Town in about 30 minutes, but Trogir is the type of place that is best seen at a leisurely pace. So we took a stroll through the narrow streets, bought some souveniers and treated us with delicious dinner and cold beer in restaurant Tragos. The town with all its beige stone charm is really satisfying to visit.
 Trogir Old Town |  Restaurant Tragos |
After dinner we checked in a small but very nice hotel located right at the beach side - hotel Sveti Kriz in Trogir.
 Sv. Kriz hotel room |  view from the terrace |
Next morning we drove to Split. If you are going to Split you should check out the Diocletian's Palace. The Palace itself is very nice but the atmosphere surrounding it is even better. There are many shops and markets surrounding the front of the Palace which give the area a very nice flavor.
 Church of St. Frane |  Diocletian Palace south wall |
At Church of St. Frane we met with local guide who took us on a walking tour through the palace. Its ruins date back to the late 3rd to early 4th century A.D. The city of Spalato, which means "little palace", was founded by the emperor Diocletian; he made it his own dwelling-place, and built within it a court and a palace, most part of which has been destroyed. But a few things remain to this day, e.g. the episcopal residence of the city and the church of St. Domnus, in which St. Domnus himself lies, and which was the resting-place of the same emperor Diocletian.
 Cathedral of St. Domnus |  detail on Cathedral door |
Northern Part of the Palace is still well preserved in its medieval urban structure. Here you’ll find people still living in the old picturesque houses. This is also the area to wander a little bit around; in this part of the Palace you’ll also find some of the very popular small cafes and shops selling souvenirs and original crafts.
After lunch we continued our journey from Split to Dubrovnik that took us about 5 hours. After arrival we were so hungry we could eat a cow :) so we reserved a table in Dubrovnik most fancy restaurant "Nautika". The view from the terrace was really awsome! And although the menus are ultra expensive the restaurant was crowded with tourists to the very corner. We ordered a nice mixed seafood plate which was - of course - very delicious.
 Restaurant Nautika, Dubrovnik |
After lunch we went for sightseeing of Dubrovnik Old Town. Used to the images from the books and travel guides (with no people on them) I could never imagine that Dubrovnik can be sooo crowded! The guide told us that when cruisers come to town, there are so many tourists that they often need policeman to arrange "the traffic"...
Dubrovnik is Croatia's top sight, and its most visited destination. Because of its incomparable architectural heritage Dubrovnik is also called "the pearl of the Adriatic". The gleaming marble streets of Dubrovnik are lined with baroque buildings punctuated by beautifully sculpted Renaissance fountains and facades. Dubrovnik's walls are the most intact and impressive in the Adriatic and clearly head the long list of Dubrovnik's sights. No wonder UNESCO named Dubrovnik a World Heritage Site!
 Pile Gate |  A man playing traditional instrument |
|  A band playing traditional mediterranian music at Sponza Palace |
Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), traded with Turkey and India in the East and also had trade representatives in Africa. It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the middle ages. Its status was so powerful that even rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.
The Old Town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. In 1991/92, the Serbs shelled the city causing considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid, the Old Town has been restored to its former beauty.
But whatever we say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!
We stayed in a beautiful walking distance hotel that was located in a bay right at the sea side. Since it is a 5-star hotel I guess I don't have to explain how delightful was spending the night there :) They even have the panoramic elevator that takes you to hotel beach.
 Hotel Bellevue restaurant terrace |  View of hotel beach |
|  Inside of the room |
Next morning we headed north, to Sibenik - a town located in the middle of Croatian coast, but we didn't want to leave without taking a panoramic picture of Dubrovnik. There are only few hotels in Dubrovnik that have this great location from where you can admire fantastic panoramic view of the Old town and cruisers bathing in deep blue sea on the other side.
 View of Dubrovnik from the terrace of hotel Excelsior |  mighty city walls surrounding the Old Town |
On the way to Sibenik we stopped in restaurant Sampion in Brela for lunch and coffee.
 Restaurant Sampion in Brela |  restaurants interior |
After long drive we finally arrived to Sibenik. With its 15th century Cathedral of St. Jacob, a fort with a million dollar view, and narrow stone streets which all lead down to the riva, this city with a stormy past definitely deserves a visit. Some people say that after the war the city seems to have grown even more beautiful. Maybe it was because of the pride of its inhabitants who managed to overcome years of destruction and economic hardship.
The location of the city allows many day trips to some beautiful places, including Skradin (where Bill Gates apparently likes to come) and National Park Krka - another waterfall park which is smaller than Plitvice, but certainly not less beautiful.
The Cathedral of St. Jacob (or St. James) is one of the highlights of the Dalmatian Coast and a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand Cathedral is a fascinating example of architecture of the three culturally different regions: Northern Italy, Dalmatia, and Tuscany, and it took over 100 years to complete in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
 Cathedral of St. Jacob |  St. Jacobs portal |
After sightseeing we checked into hotel close to Sibenik. Next morning we were after our next destination - Zadar.
Zadar is a Croatian city located between Rijeka and Split, not far away from Sibenik. It is a few thousand years old and it was the capital of Dalmatia for many centuries. The pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donat dates back to the 9th century; it is the symbol of the city and a must in each itinerary. Zadar is also well known for having the attractive Romanesque churches: Cathedral of St. Anastasia from 13th century and Church of St. Chrysogonus from 12th century as well as the church tower of St. Mary dating back from 12th century too. The town is fortified with medieval walls, distinguished for their pretty and impressive ports.
 View of Zadar |  St. Donat's Church |
The most interesting part of Zadar (in my opinion) are the musical Sea Organs located on the shores of Zadar. They are the world’s first musical pipe organs played by the sea. Simple and elegant steps, carved in white stone, were built on the quayside. Underneath, there are 35 musically tuned tubes with whistle openings on the sidewalk. The movement of the sea pushes air through, and – depending on the size and velocity of the wave – musical chords are played.
Next we visited charming little town called Nin which is situated on a small islet in the middle of a shallow lagoon some 17km northwest of Zadar.
It is said that Nin is the oldest Croatian royal town in which rulers and bishops had their seats from the 7th to the 10th centuries. It was known as Aenona in Roman time and had the forum, amphitheatre and aqueduct. There is also a small cathedral of the Holy Cross on the right side of the square - it is so small that it is actually called “the smallest cathedral of the World”. From the 9th century on, the cathedral of the Holy Cross is the most important pre-Romanesque preserved monument of the old Croatian architecture.
 A pedestrian bridge leading to the center of Nin |  Cathedral of the Holy Cross |
Everything in this little town was so tiny and cute. And if it didn't feel like 40 degrees that day I'm pretty sure we would stay a bit longer and even buy some souvenirs from a small souvenir shop. Next we took a highway and proceeded to our final destination - Opatija.
Opatija, often called the Pearl of Kvarner region, is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Croatia and a place with the longest tourist tradition on the eastern coast of the Adriatic.
Opatija is an exclusive holiday resort and the centre of the riviera adorned with modern villas, luxurious hotels and exceptional tourist facilities with a century-long tradition. The enchanting beauty of its nature and a mild climate, well-maintained landscape and beaches, the spirit of noble tradition and lively entertainment throughout the year make this place one of the most elite summer resorts in Croatia today.
 Girl with a seagull |  Fountain of Helios and Selena |
We took a stroll on promenade of Franz Joseph (also called lungomare promenade and it connects Opatija with Lovran) and visited neatly maintained flower park in front of Villa Angiolina. Near the Art Pavillion on Lungomare, is placed one of the most famous landmarks of Opatija - Girl with a seagull. I saw the statue many times but I had no idea that it is connected with a sad story; the girl has been gazing out to the sea with the bird on her hand since 1956, when it replaced the statue of Madonna watching over the souls of a young couple who lost their lives at sea during a storm.
In the vicinity of the Church of St. James is placed The Fountain Helios and Selena. The fountain is designed in neo-Baroque style so it can fit to Biedermaier, Secession and Historicism, the architectural styles which are dominant in the older hotels and villas in Opatija.
 Villa Angiolina with its flower park |  Promenade of Franz Joseph (Seaside promenade) |
We than had a delicious mediterranean dinner in a popular Opatian restaurant Sv. Jakov. After dinner we checked into hotel close to the beach and enjoyed our final evening together. Easy summer breeze, smell of salty sea lingering in the air and the sound of the waves is something that makes your vacation unforgettable. I will definitely come back to Opatija!
 Restaurant Sv. Jakov |  Hotel room (Hotel Grand 4 Opatijska cvijeta) |
