CC Travel Blog

Mar, 2009

An interesting place with lots of unknowns and little expectations. Before I went, the most two questions I received from people knowing about my plan were “where is Croatia?” and “Why are you going there?”

I can probably explain where Croatia is by also adding a little detail like “it was one of the 6 countries that split up from Yogoslavia”, but the question about why was much harder to tackle. Frankly, I don’t know. I’ve never been to the Balkan area and I had little expectations about it. A few years ago I saw a nice picture of Croatia about a beautiful green sea and a cliff and I labeled the country as “having a nice coastline and mother-nature blessed” to my own travel dictionary. But now that it’s March, I have no intention to swim or walk on a beach, so little did the “sun and beach” element affected my decision. Rather, I was worried about potential snow storms in such a borderline month to travel.

There are pros and cons to travel in a low season. Certainly the prices are lower and the exposure to locals are greater (we literally got most of the old towns all to ourselves, sometimes even a restaurant!), but the chance of catching some bad weather is also bigger (we had 1 drizzle day and some partially blocked trail in a national park, God bless!). Overall, I’m happy with the trip and starting to get adjusted to the Gate 1 travel service. It certainly feels different compared to the Turkey trip.

Anyhow, below is the itinerary:

DAY 1, Sunday – Depart the USA
Depart the USA to Italy.

DAY 2, Monday – Arrive in Opatija
Arrive in Venice and transfer to hotel in Opatija, a popular summer and winter resort in the beautiful Gulf of Kvarner. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a stroll along the “Lungo Mare” seafront, and in the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at the hotel.
Overnight: Opatija

DAY 3, Tuesday – Opatija
Full Day Istrian Peninsula
Overnight: Opatija

DAY 4, Wednesday – Zadar City Tour, Arrive in Split
In the morning, travel via coach to Split. Along the way, stop in Zadar, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city that includes the ruins of the Roman Forum, the cathedral, and St. Donat Church. Continue to Split with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Split

DAY 5, Thursday – Split City Tour, Arrive Dubrovnik
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Split. View the Roman remains of Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. Later, relax in a waterfront café and shop in the local market before continuing along the coast to Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Dubrovnik

DAY 6, Friday – Dubrovnik City Tour
This morning’s walking tour of “Old Dubrovnik” includes a visit to the city walls and a stroll along the main street of Stradun. Continue to view the old harbor, St. Laurence Fortress, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Palaces of Sponza and Rector. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Dubrovnik

DAY 7, Saturday – Montenegro
A full day excursion to Montenegro.
Overnight: Dubrovnik

DAY 8, Sunday – Plitvice Lakes
Travel inland through wooded mountains and lush vegetation to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a breathtaking example of pristine natural beauty.
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes

DAY 9, Monday – Zagreb, Arrive Bled
In the morning, enjoy a walking tour about Zagreb, Croatia’s charming capital. Enjoy time to explore the city independently before departing for Bled, located in the heart of the Julian Alps.
Overnight: Bled

DAY 10, Tuesday – Tour Ljubljana, Bled
This morning drive to Ljubljana for a panoramic city tour that includes views of the open-air market, City Hall, Parliament, Robba’s Fountain, and the Three Bridges. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled including a visit to Bled Castle, the city’s most famous landmark. This evening, celebrate your last night abroad at tonight’s farewell dinner.
Overnight: Bled

DAY 11, Wednesday – Return to the USA
Transfer to the Venice airport for the departure flight.

I enjoyed most of the activities and itinerary planning. My only complaint is that we spent too little time at Zagreb and Ljubljana, which are the capitals of two countries. If we extend the stay to overnight at each of them, that would be the most ideal for me.