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Croatia
Croatia is a unique country of unspoilt coastal waters and with a thousand years history. The Adriatic Sea has always offered the most economical trade route between Europe and the East thus becoming the cradle of ancient civilizations. Archaeological findings prove that in the 6th century BC the ancient Greeks had commerce with the Illyrians by means of the sea, and that they founded their colonies there. Testimony to those glorious times can be found not only on the mainland, but also under the sea in the shape of shipwrecks and remains of the detritus of great ships.
Croatia has an amazing 5,835km of coastline, 4,057km of which belongs to islands, cliffs and reefs. There are 1,185 islands in the Adriatic, but only about 70 are populated. The largest island is Krk (near Rijeka) at 462 square km. Thanks to this favorable geographical characteristics of the coast, with its numerous bays, inlets and coves, the coastal belt still is a significant mercantile and nautical route. Croatia also has a strange shape, which comes as a result of five centuries of expansion by the Ottoman Empire towards Central Europe (although Croatia was never conquered by the Turks).
The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, one of the sunniest in Europe, with warm dry summers and mild winters, while in the interior, the climate is continental with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
Istria, the peninsula bordering Slovenia and Italy, and the Dalmatian coast are by far, the most popular destination for visitors to Croatia.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is called a city of museums and may be one of the most beautiful cities east of Paris, with its three separate quarters: a thousand-year old upper town with the Presidential Palace, the church of St. Mark’s, the Croatian parliament and countless museums and galleries found in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the turn of the century lower with its shops, cafes, theatres and parks; and the modern post-world-war-II area with high-rise buildings.
To start head towards Trg Bana Jelacica, the main square in the city within walking distance of all the major city attractions, and visit the middle and upper quarters returning to the hustle and bustle of modern Zagreb either via the pedestrian walkway or the hundred-year-old funicular railway.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city, a veritable “jewel of the Adriatic” with a long maritime history. Founded in one of the most favorable geographical position at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea and protected by islands, Dubrovnik took advantage of the intensified traffic between the East and the West during and after the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries and finally conquered its freedom from the Venetian Republic in the 14th century.
The old town of the 13th century is virtually unchanged and, although in 1991 and 1992, the Serbs damaged the city considerably, thanks to both local effort and international aid, the old town has been restored to its former beauty and can be enjoyed as before the war.
Tall ramparts still encircle the city running uninterrupted for over 1 mile and this complex structure, one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in the Europe is the main attraction to the visitors with only two entrances leading to the Stradun, the city’s promenade where tourists can have a drink in one of the cafes and watch the world go by. The climate is classical Mediterranean with mild and damp winters, and hot but dry summers. The average summer temperature of 25°C is refreshed by the gentle Maestral - making the days comfortable. The major cultural event in Croatia takes place here in Dubrovnik from early July to late August, the Summer Festival filled with music, drama, folklore performances and concerts held on city’s squares, terraces of the fortresses and in the churches and palaces.
Split: Located in a central position on the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea, Split is the perfect jumping-off point for exploration of the coast and islands of the beautiful Croatian Coast adorned with hidden bays, beaches, cliffs, emerald groves, sea straits and vast high seas. Here the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace at the end of the third century AD, and many of Split’s historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of his Palace. Split is a busy port, with regular ferry services with the nearby islands, notably Brac, Solta, Hvar and Vis, wide and with beautiful landscapes and settlements. Split is also a university seat and host to numerous scientific institutions. Above all, superb land and seascapes make it a tourist’s wonderland.
Suggested Croatia Discoveries
- CLASSIC TOURS - These tineraries visit some the countries of old Yugoslavia. Bosnia and Herzegovina have long been the crossroads of many civilizations and cultures. It is these centuries of culturally diversity that has melted it into one of the most fascinating, interesting, and beautiful countries in Europe. Croatia is well known for the Dalmatian coastline, Slovenia surprises visitors at every step with its natural sites. In this tiny piece of Europe, the picturesque features of the Alpine, Mediterranean, Karst, and Pannonian worlds are all combined.
- HOSTED TOURS - These are independent itineraries where passengers are greeted by a local representative rather than a Tour Director and will not be escorted to all activities and functions. Local guides will be available to answer questions through the duration of the tour. Some meals, accommodations and sightseeing may be included in your tour. This style is ideal for people who want some freedom but still have the comfort of a guide.
- PRIVATE ESCORTED TOURS - These are programs that will suit those who want to taste the best each country offers. Services are included on a private basis, so you will be the only one using your transportation at any time. On most of the programs, private guides and/or professional English speaking Tour Directors are also included. The programs can be further customized as you wish..
- CRUISES - The most prominent attraction of Croatia is its Dalmatian coastline, indented with rocky cliffs, peninsulas and small inlets. There is a special atmosphere to Croatian towns and villages, many of which are built on the sites of ancient Greek settlements dating from the 4th century BC. This, coupled with a welcoming and determined population, Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty and lush vegetation, make Croatia one of the world’s cruise hotspots.
- CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS - As specialists on this destination, we can prepare “the” specific itinerary you desire with the exact services you need. If you would like to have “your own” itinerary, contact us and advise us of all your requirements
