Flight - Mum - Doha - Zagreb
Time of Travel - August
Duration of Visit - 10 days
First Stop - Zagreb
Hotel - Sheraton.
Airport to the hotel - Taxi; Some of them do take Euros. We paid in Euro's, didnt need to change at the airport.
Zagreb is one of the most underrated cities. Yes, it is like any other European city, but has its own charm. I really liked the place. There is good shopping, ice cream hangouts, restaurants, street cafes and bars and a whole touristy chunk in the centre of the old city.
My suggestion is to stay at Hotel Dubrovnik. It is situated right in the middle of everything, so you get down and you will find the shops, the tourist points, access to sim cards, restaurants. It's all at a 5 min walking distance.
But, since Zagreb is not frequented by tourists that much yet, vegetarianism as a concept is not yet popular in Zagreb.
Restaurants
TKALCICEVA Street- Is a very popular street around the cathedral for restaurants and drinks and is buzzing.
Desserts -Cookie Factory
Touristy things to do:
b) There is a furnicular ride
c) Zagreb 360 degree- restaurant - terrace with a view.
d) Fries factory; pizaa by the slice; cafes etc.
Shopping :
Around the dubrovnik Hotel; Street Ilica
The next day, we drove to Plitvice National Park. The Villa Mukinja arranged the transportation for us at an additional charge from Zagreb to Plitvice.
We stopped on the way for lunch at this picturesque village - but definitely skippable.
Hotel -Villa Mukinja - Amazing Hosts. There is a hot bath jacuzzi. Good Stay.
Going by the stories of the owner, one must definitely make a trip to Plitvice in the winters. It's unreal, apparently.
Food- At the Villa - It has one of the best strawberry ice creams.
They are very accommodating towards vegetarians. That's an added advantage to stay there.
Our hosts explained to us how to go about the national park, so I would suggest that you ask a local, who will share the map with you and help your way around. The suggested route is to trek it up, take a ferry to the other side and come down via the train bus. We, however went the other way round; my mom had injured her foot, so we tried to keep the walking to a minimum.
The tickets are for some 80 euros for each person.
The following day we left around 10 ish for Krka falls, however I felt like I was visiting Water Kingdom in India! (for those who know, what I mean). The upside of going to Krka is that one can swim under the waterfall. It's a smaller park to trek around, and I would definitely recommend one to visit during off season, as it isn't crowded, and then you maybe able to see the place for what it is and not hounded by people.
After Krka, we made a pit stop at Trogir. Can drop in. I found it pretty. Small tourist town with tiny boutique shops and yet again another cathedral or bell tower.
Finally, by evening we made it to Split - around 7ish.
Hotel - Air bnb The Heritage Apartments. Location - Awesome - Bang in the Centre. Hosts- Helpful and thoughtful. But, there is no elevator. And it's a 5 storey building. When I visited it was peak season. All the hotel rooms were booked, the ones around the centre and the riva, so we obviously couldn't move! So be careful about that. And I am a last minute reservation kind of a person, which sometimes works in my favour and sometimes like this time it did not.
However, I liked Split. But honestly, there is nothing to do beyond 2 days. 2 DAYS maybe a lot for most people, but I like small cities. Since we were staying at the centre, the Doelicitian palace, the riva, the shopping street - marmont street, restaurants, bars, - they were all just down the house. Ideal place for young party-goers!
SHOPPING
Marmont Street
Zara
Bershka
Restaurants
1) The vege
2)The Upcafe
3) A lot of people suggested Makrovega, but we missed it because of the timings, so if you are vegetarian, do try it.
After that we headed for Hvar via ferry from Split.
Hotel - Amfora Hotel
It is the best hotel in Hvar. Pretty steep.
The first day we took a speed boat to visit the Blue Grotto, The Green Cave, A swim in the Stiniva Beach and the Pakleni Islands for a lunch/evening break.
Bar- Hula Hula Bar. It is more of a lunch to a sundowner scene.
After that, hit the bars at the main street and then the after party is at Carpe Diem or Pink. There is a Carpe Diem at Hvar city, but there is one more which begins only after 1 am and you need to take a ferry ride in the night to the beach club. Quite an experience.
From the time you step off the ferry till the walk till Amfora, there is a plethora of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is a small city.
Next day was a damper. Unfortunately, it was raining. We chilled mostly at the hotel. I worked out on the terrace. We went to the promenade side for a short walk in the rains. Chilled at a bar,
Dubrovnik - Now that's a city you do not want to miss. The highlight of Croatia.
We had a hard time booking us on a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik on that particular day. It was running full. So, suggestion, book before hand. Of course there are other ways to get from hvar to dbv, but they are very cumbersome. Mostly taking a ferry to split, then taking a bus/car down to dbv - it is supposed to be a scenic drive. But, really a long drive! Take the ferry by the tour operator Jadrolinija.
We were in Dubrovnik for 4 days.
Stay: Well, I went with family and I stayed at the Old City. Our stay was the most fab ever! It was zillion times cheaper than the hotel excelsior with the same view or I believe a better view and a closer walk to the old city ( by that I mean 30 seconds)
Villa Adriatica - And we had both the rooms with the balcony. So ensure that.
Things to See:
First day just went by, we relaxed walked around the old town. While just wandering around we reached the Busa Bar which overlooks the sea.
On the second day we took a bus to visit Montenegro - DONT DO IT. It was just a loooong bus ride and nothing to really visit. My host did warn us about it but we still went so kindly bear that in mind.
Lokrum Island - BEAUTIFUL! Spend an entire day there. So, go by the first ferry and come back by the last. Hike up till the fortress and take in an eye view of the Dubrovnik Old city.
You can jump off and go swimming in the water or kayak or just laze around in the gardens with peacocks/pea hens around you.
HIGHLIGHT
Here, there is a game of thrones gallery. If you are a fan of GOT, you do not want to miss this. There is an iron throne and it is free to sit on. They have audio visuals projections of which scenes have been shot around in Split and Dubrovnik. So, it helps you refresh your memory and connect with the places.
The Wall : Obviously you are going to take a tour of the Wall. There are many options where you also are given a games of thrones guided tour. I thought it was expensive. Hence Lokrum is a good option of actually seeing the visuals and then taking a tour of the wall.
Lapad is the suburbs of dubrovnik. It is where the younger crowd stays. Beaches, Restaurants, Bar Street are cheaper than the Old Dubrovnik Area.
Shopping - No big brands. Lots of jewellery stores.
Food:
Big on Gelato.
We saw a cultural show/ folk dance - it's a no no from me. But the venue was astounding.
Clubs
Night Club Revelin - We saw the cultural show from here. Quite a pretty place.
Restaurants
Mex Cantina Bona Fide - Ama zing Mexican Restaurant
Incredible India - Indian Restaurant. Fleeced us. Suggest not to go there.
Nishta - Vegan Restaurant. It is always running full. Good Food.
The rest you can just explore the city. It is a fun stay! You have culture, water, sunshine and gelatos. What more of a summer holiday could you want?
Time of Travel - August
Duration of Visit - 10 days
First Stop - Zagreb
Hotel - Sheraton.
 |
| Our hotel - It is a 5 star but too far. |
Airport to the hotel - Taxi; Some of them do take Euros. We paid in Euro's, didnt need to change at the airport.
Zagreb is one of the most underrated cities. Yes, it is like any other European city, but has its own charm. I really liked the place. There is good shopping, ice cream hangouts, restaurants, street cafes and bars and a whole touristy chunk in the centre of the old city.
My suggestion is to stay at Hotel Dubrovnik. It is situated right in the middle of everything, so you get down and you will find the shops, the tourist points, access to sim cards, restaurants. It's all at a 5 min walking distance.
But, since Zagreb is not frequented by tourists that much yet, vegetarianism as a concept is not yet popular in Zagreb.
Restaurants
TKALCICEVA Street- Is a very popular street around the cathedral for restaurants and drinks and is buzzing.
Desserts -Cookie Factory
Touristy things to do:
 |
| Main Square of Zagreb
Visit the Cathedral
|
 |
| Aerial View of the Cathedral |
b) There is a furnicular ride
 |
| cant see the furnicular moving- we got late' i guess. |
c) Zagreb 360 degree- restaurant - terrace with a view.
d) Fries factory; pizaa by the slice; cafes etc.
Shopping :
Around the dubrovnik Hotel; Street Ilica
 |
| A Chocolate Milkshake is my nutrition pack while I power through shopping |
The next day, we drove to Plitvice National Park. The Villa Mukinja arranged the transportation for us at an additional charge from Zagreb to Plitvice.
We stopped on the way for lunch at this picturesque village - but definitely skippable.
 |
| The address if needed of this village for a stop by lunch. |
Hotel -Villa Mukinja - Amazing Hosts. There is a hot bath jacuzzi. Good Stay.
Food- At the Villa - It has one of the best strawberry ice creams.
They are very accommodating towards vegetarians. That's an added advantage to stay there.
Things to do - Visit the Plitvice National Park.
 |
Plitvice Lake  |
Our hosts explained to us how to go about the national park, so I would suggest that you ask a local, who will share the map with you and help your way around. The suggested route is to trek it up, take a ferry to the other side and come down via the train bus. We, however went the other way round; my mom had injured her foot, so we tried to keep the walking to a minimum.
The tickets are for some 80 euros for each person.
The following day we left around 10 ish for Krka falls, however I felt like I was visiting Water Kingdom in India! (for those who know, what I mean). The upside of going to Krka is that one can swim under the waterfall. It's a smaller park to trek around, and I would definitely recommend one to visit during off season, as it isn't crowded, and then you maybe able to see the place for what it is and not hounded by people.
 |
| You can actually take a dip here but no in Plitvice |
 |
| Serenity at Krka can be found! |
After Krka, we made a pit stop at Trogir. Can drop in. I found it pretty. Small tourist town with tiny boutique shops and yet again another cathedral or bell tower.
 |
| Bell Tower Cathedral at Trogir |
 |
| View from Trogir |
Finally, by evening we made it to Split - around 7ish.
 |
| MAP of Split marking all the party locations and restaurants - Download the map and zoom in- very informative. |
Hotel - Air bnb The Heritage Apartments. Location - Awesome - Bang in the Centre. Hosts- Helpful and thoughtful. But, there is no elevator. And it's a 5 storey building. When I visited it was peak season. All the hotel rooms were booked, the ones around the centre and the riva, so we obviously couldn't move! So be careful about that. And I am a last minute reservation kind of a person, which sometimes works in my favour and sometimes like this time it did not.
 |
| We ate our dinner here, it was right below our apartment- split centre. |
However, I liked Split. But honestly, there is nothing to do beyond 2 days. 2 DAYS maybe a lot for most people, but I like small cities. Since we were staying at the centre, the Doelicitian palace, the riva, the shopping street - marmont street, restaurants, bars, - they were all just down the house. Ideal place for young party-goers!
 |
| The Doelitician Palace |
 |
| The Palace Map - Doelicitian |
 |
| The gregory of Nin : Rubbing the statue's toe is said to bring good luck |
Marmont Street
Zara
Bershka
Restaurants
1) The vege
2)The Upcafe
3) A lot of people suggested Makrovega, but we missed it because of the timings, so if you are vegetarian, do try it.
After that we headed for Hvar via ferry from Split.
Hotel - Amfora Hotel
It is the best hotel in Hvar. Pretty steep.
 |
| View from the Terrace of the Hotel Amfora - Hvar |
The first day we took a speed boat to visit the Blue Grotto, The Green Cave, A swim in the Stiniva Beach and the Pakleni Islands for a lunch/evening break.
 |
| It is actually Blue! |
 |
| It is the sunlight playing with the water. A swim in the Stiniva Beach |
Bar- Hula Hula Bar. It is more of a lunch to a sundowner scene.
After that, hit the bars at the main street and then the after party is at Carpe Diem or Pink. There is a Carpe Diem at Hvar city, but there is one more which begins only after 1 am and you need to take a ferry ride in the night to the beach club. Quite an experience.
From the time you step off the ferry till the walk till Amfora, there is a plethora of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is a small city.
Next day was a damper. Unfortunately, it was raining. We chilled mostly at the hotel. I worked out on the terrace. We went to the promenade side for a short walk in the rains. Chilled at a bar,
Dubrovnik - Now that's a city you do not want to miss. The highlight of Croatia.
 |
| Horizon of the Old City |
 |
| Red Roof of Dubrovnik and the Lokrum Island in the background |
We had a hard time booking us on a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik on that particular day. It was running full. So, suggestion, book before hand. Of course there are other ways to get from hvar to dbv, but they are very cumbersome. Mostly taking a ferry to split, then taking a bus/car down to dbv - it is supposed to be a scenic drive. But, really a long drive! Take the ferry by the tour operator Jadrolinija.
 |
| Waiting for the ferry to depart from Hvar to Dbv. |
We were in Dubrovnik for 4 days.
Stay: Well, I went with family and I stayed at the Old City. Our stay was the most fab ever! It was zillion times cheaper than the hotel excelsior with the same view or I believe a better view and a closer walk to the old city ( by that I mean 30 seconds)
Villa Adriatica - And we had both the rooms with the balcony. So ensure that.
 |
| View from our balcony of Villa Adriatica |
 |
| The entrance to the Old City : View from our Balcony |
Things to See:
First day just went by, we relaxed walked around the old town. While just wandering around we reached the Busa Bar which overlooks the sea.
 |
| Enjoy the drinks and the view from Busa Bar. |
On the second day we took a bus to visit Montenegro - DONT DO IT. It was just a loooong bus ride and nothing to really visit. My host did warn us about it but we still went so kindly bear that in mind.
 |
| Sights from montenegro |
 |
| Sights from montenegro |
Lokrum Island - BEAUTIFUL! Spend an entire day there. So, go by the first ferry and come back by the last. Hike up till the fortress and take in an eye view of the Dubrovnik Old city.
 |
| Bird's eye view of Dubrovnik from Lokrum Island Fortress |
 |
| Scenic Trek upto the fortress- Quite a feat to reach up there. |
 |
| Walkways to jump off and swim in the sea |
 |
| Kayak crew kayaking around lokrum |
 |
| Chasing Peahens while we were rained in at Lokrum. |
HIGHLIGHT
Here, there is a game of thrones gallery. If you are a fan of GOT, you do not want to miss this. There is an iron throne and it is free to sit on. They have audio visuals projections of which scenes have been shot around in Split and Dubrovnik. So, it helps you refresh your memory and connect with the places.
 |
| Who art thou who claims the Iron Throne?? - Game of Throne Star Struck |
The Wall : Obviously you are going to take a tour of the Wall. There are many options where you also are given a games of thrones guided tour. I thought it was expensive. Hence Lokrum is a good option of actually seeing the visuals and then taking a tour of the wall.
 |
| Stoked to Walk the Walls of the Ancient City |
 |
| Peek a view from the windows of the ancient Dubrovnik City. |
 |
| Bell Tower as seen from the Wall |
 |
| Steps where the Game of Thrones Scene was Shot. Can you guess which one? |
Lapad is the suburbs of dubrovnik. It is where the younger crowd stays. Beaches, Restaurants, Bar Street are cheaper than the Old Dubrovnik Area.
Shopping - No big brands. Lots of jewellery stores.
Food:
Big on Gelato.
We saw a cultural show/ folk dance - it's a no no from me. But the venue was astounding.
Clubs
Night Club Revelin - We saw the cultural show from here. Quite a pretty place.
 |
| There is bar right opposite the clock tower which serves amazing cocktails |
Restaurants
Mex Cantina Bona Fide - Ama zing Mexican Restaurant
Incredible India - Indian Restaurant. Fleeced us. Suggest not to go there.
Nishta - Vegan Restaurant. It is always running full. Good Food.
The rest you can just explore the city. It is a fun stay! You have culture, water, sunshine and gelatos. What more of a summer holiday could you want?
No comments:
Post a Comment