Croatia

Croatia

The Mediterranean as it once was

I grew up going to Yugoslavia, as Croatia was previously called, regularly since it was very inexpensive and English people could get good package tours which were popular because of the very pleasant climate. My parents went every Spring, so I got to know the country well since it is a small one. Only four million people, and it is today the most affordable of all the European destinations. There are over 1200 islands and after Greece, it is the most popular country to go sailing in. My father used to say that the Dalmatia coast is a yachting paradise, with 240 isles and reefs and Zlarin has the best coral and Krapanj is the center of sea sponges. Renting a yacht with or without a crew, is still a bargain price compared to other sailing destinations. The best way to get to the country is to go by high speed catamaran from Venice if you happen to be in Italy.

Although it is in the European Union, it still has its own currency, the Kuna, and it is necessary for you to advise your bank if you plan on using an ATM machine. Not every restaurant or shop will take a credit card, so it is important to always carry cash. Restaurants cannot add a tip to the bill if you pay by credit card, so you must leave a tip in cash. Also advise your wireless carrier that you will be in Croatia if you plan on using your cell phone. It became independent in June 1991, along with Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo. Herzegovina, Macedonia and Kosovo some excellent buys in leather goods, embroidery, and handicrafts.

Zagreb is the capital, a lovely medieval city, teeming with charming coffee houses, fine restaurants , garden restaurants and lovely tended parks. The open air Dolac market is one of the best in this part of Europe. There are thirty museums, twenty theatres, and do take the funicular railway which links down town and upper town.

Most people have heard of Dubrovnik which sits at the southernmost part of the country. It is a very popular port for cruise ships to stop at, and people want to see the 14th century fortification walls of some five miles in length. At one time it had a fleet of 700 merchant ships and rivaled Venice for importance. A lady came into the agency and asked one of our staff to book a cruise offer she had read about visiting Croatia. The agent suggested she change the date, and the cruise line and pointed out that on the day that the lady would be in Dubrovnik, there would be six large cruise lines docking which meant there would be 20,000 people in one small port. She was very pleased with the suggestion to change and we got her a better price.

Split was one of my family’s favorite places with many temples, palaces and spas.

As long as you see the above places I have mentioned, as well as Brac, Hvar, and Korcula, you have seen the highlights of this small country.

A great way to visit this area is to take a cruise

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com/www.froschluxurytravel.com