Your Travel Specialist on: Croatia

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. 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 recently 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.

There is a marvelous opportunity to take a cruise on Sea Dream Yachts, which is a seven day trip departing on August 27. It goes to Dubrovnik, Kotor, Crotone, Taormina, Amalfi, Capri and Rome. Only 112 guests with a crew of 95. Enjoy open seating and five star cuisine in the sophisticated dining salon or al fresco. Conde Nast awarded Sea Dream 1 “The World’s Best Yacht”, and you will see the highlights of Croatia, and visit Italy as well.

Sea Dream Yacht will also go from Greece to Croatia on August 6, visiting Athens, Hyda, Corinth Canal, Delphi, Fiskardho, Parga Kotor, and Dubrovnik. Offer 1204498. Both great itineraries and I recommend them highly. You should experience “yachting, not cruising”.

Go on our website – www.allhorizonstvl.com – and read about two very good trips. Offer 1223718 and Offer 1222693. The cruise is Offer 1204491 and 1204498.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.