Croatia and the Adriatic

Tour Information and the Adriatic

TOUR INFORMATION

You are travelling to Europe – a wonderful assembly of diverse countries that have, over hundreds of years, evolved and formulated their individual and often unique customs, styles and quirkiness. We want to (and sometimes have to) fit into the region’s natural patterns and irregularities. Much will appear so very different from ‘home’ – and surely it is exactly those very differences that inspired you to go there in the first place!

To help you, the following pages contains additional information specific to your tour including brief introductory information regarding the major sites and regions you will be visiting.

We would like to wish you a wonderful trip through Europe and a safe return home.

Best wishes from the Albatross Team Croatia and the Adriatic

This information is meant to provide a light overview of some of the towns and regions you will be visiting.

Trogir Located just a short drive from the International Airport of Split, lies the unique portside town of . Trogir is heavily influenced by the Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires, the core of the town is a mass of tiny alleys and charming squares, filled with shops and restaurants. Lined with yachts in the summer, Trogir is also fronted by a wide seaside promenade.

Labelled the grandest building in Trogir, the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence is just one in a high concentration of palaces, churches, fortresses and towers that make up the medieval core of Trogir.

Krka National Park Interspaced with islands and unspoiled rock pools, is named after the river Krka that it encloses. The Krka National Park attracts visitors due to its magnificent waterfalls and cascades (known locally as necklaces) all year round. The Park is home to several different species of amphibians and reptiles as well as over 200 different bird species!

Šibenik Located in central where the river Krka reaches the sea, the town of Šibenik is the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. Šibenik is home to the most significant architectonic monument in Croatia, the Cathedral of St James. The Cathedral of St James has been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2000 as a remarkable structure in which both Gothic and Renaissance forms have been successfully blended.

Klis Recognized as the most famous fortress in all Croatia, the ruined castle of has a remarkable history spanning a thousand years. Located in the rugged hills behind Split, and above a village bearing the same name, the played a huge role in the defensive system of Dalmatia and is regarded as one of the most important in the region.

Split Nestled on the eastern shores of the lies one of the oldest cities in Croatia; the port town of Split. Pedestrian friendly Split with its beautiful ‘old town’ boasts charming pavement cafes, cosy bars and shopping rumoured to be the best in Croatia.

Split is centred on a vast 4 th century Diocletian Palace complex built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in preparation of his retirement. The Palace is considered to be the core of modern day Split. Located just a stone’s throw from the Palace complex stands the Cathedral of St Domnius; locally known as the Cathedral of St Duje. The cathedral was built in three parts; the main area being Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum. Visitors travel to Split for many reasons; whether you’re looking to explore the Roman ruins or relax on the buzzing beaches, this delightful city is a must on any Croatian itinerary.

Starigrad Built in the 4 th century BC, the historical port of Starigrad is the oldest on the island of . Located on the north side of the island, Starigrad is known for its rich history which is evident in the numerous monuments on display around the town itself. Starigrad boasts many archaeological sites including the old town walls as well as an array of churches and chapels.

Hvar Regarded as perhaps the most beautiful within the Dalmatian Islands, Hvar is an island of vineyards, olive groves and aromatic lavender. The cobbled alleys which wind up from the big, open main square are littered with shops, cafes and restaurants offering fresh produce and exquisite local wines.

Situated between the neighbouring islands of Brac, and Korcula, Hvar is the perfect place to explore all that Croatia has to offer. The largest settlement on the island, Hvar Town, is the centre of the islands tourism and a favourite destination within the Adriatic. Spend time exploring the local markets or wandering along the marina promenade admiring the expensive cruisers and yachts on display. To capture all Hvar has on show; why not take a walk up to Castle Spanjola – from here the views across the island are breathtaking!

Vrboska

This little village of is set on the World Heritage listed Stari Grad Plain. This is located near a local winery a great place to stop off and have a bite to eat and do a tasting of their excellent wines.

Jelsa A favourite destination for tourists, stunning Jelsa is no exception when it comes to gorgeous beaches the rest of Hvar Island is famous for. Located in the middle of the island, the pretty port of Jelsa is surrounded by crystal clear water and bounded by the two highest points on the island – St Nikola to the west and Hum to the east.

Mostar Mostar, a place where adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism have coexisted for centuries, is one of the most important cities in Herzegovina. Connecting two parts of the city, the beloved Stari Most (Old Bridge) was rebuilt after it was ravaged and smashed in the War. The locals are extremely proud of the curious humped back pedestrian bridge which spans over the River . The iconic landmark was a reconstruction of the original 16 th century Ottoman Bridge.

Sarajevo Nominated as the European Capital of Culture for 2014, Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. During the Balkans Conflict (known as the ‘Bosnian War for Independence’ by locals), Sarajevo suffered the longest siege in the history of modern warfare. Constructed by the Bosnian Army, an 800 metre tunnel was built to allow food, war supplies and humanitarian aid to the city of Sarajevo during the siege from a neighbourhood by the airport. Now a museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum displays a small section of the tunnel as well as photos and wordless footage of the city bombardment and wartime tunnel experience. With a seemingly endless setting of endless hills and intense mountains, although a bustling capital and known to be one of the fastest developing cities, beautiful Sarajevo maintains a timeless feel.

Veliki Ston and Mali Ston Twin towns, Veliki Ston and Mali Ston, are famous for having the longest complete city walls of any city in Europe. The two towns are linked together by the giant fortifications which extend completely over the wild mountain side between them. Guests may wish to walk along the walls from one town to another – the walk takes approximately an hour.

The two towns are situated at the point where the Peljesac Peninsula joins the mainland. Due to a unique position on a lake-like bay, Mali Ston is famous for its oyster production dating back to Roman times – here the oysters are rumoured to be the finest in the world!

Dubrovnik In the 15 th and 16 th centuries, was the heart of a maritime empire to rival Venice. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the extraordinary UNESCO heritage listed city of Dubrovnik is an example of a remarkably well-preserved, late-medieval walled city. For a truly breathtaking experience, a stroll around the top of the old town walls offers an incredible view of the city beneath as well as the azure blue of the surrounding Adriatic Sea. It is recommended to visit the walls during the earlier or later hours of the day as it can become quite warm during the summer months. Lining the broad pedestrian walkways and squares are the finely carved facades of the Renaissance Palaces, numerous churches and the baroque Cathedral.

Take a cable car to the lookout point of Mount Srd it’s a fantastic way to see the city in all its glory.

Many monuments in Dubrovnik which have withstood centuries now offer insight into the early history of the ancient city; one highlight of Dubrovnik’s history is The Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary. Construction of the ancient monument began in 1317 but was later destroyed in an earthquake in 1667. A highlight of the Monastery complex is the pharmacy which dates back to 1317 and has been continuously dispensing medicine since – it is known to be the third oldest pharmacy in Europe.

Perast Rich in Venice-like architecture, the village of Perast is one of ancient and natural beauty. Home to soaring baroque palaces, Catholic churches as well as several important Orthodox structures, Perast is a principle attraction within the Bay of Kotor.

Located offshore, the twin islands of St. George and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rock) make for a gorgeous boat ride. Kotor Located in the fjord like Bay of Kotor in , the beautifully preserved city of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built in the Venetian period. Spanning out behind the town, the sturdy walls of Kotor were erected in the 9 th century and tweaked until the 18 th . Within the walls, running along narrow streets, you will discover an abundance of restaurants, bars and churches. Kotor is home to one of the best preserved old cities in the Adriatic and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

Founded by the Romans, Kotor was developed in the Middle Ages into a significant commercial and artistic centre. Since the town was discovered, many empires have battled for control of Kotor.

Cavtat Located only a short distance from Dubrovnik, Cavtat sits nestled on a peninsula between two bays so you’re never far from the water. Fringed by an expansive waterfront promenade, the centre of town is lined with local and tourist fishing yachts. Traditional red-tiled houses frame the winding cobbled streets through the colourful waterfront town.