If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Most places will take card, but youll want cash for market purchases and luggage fare on buses. Word has it that you can try some gentle bargaining with the sellers, though I didnt realize until I left. Locals might ask for donations from tourists before taking the plunge themselves, though. Adrenaline junkies might take a dip in the river by diving from the bridge, though its generally seen as an unsafe jump. I didnt feel unsafe at any point of my travels, and as I mentioned earlier, locals were overall friendly. I appreciated the step ladders that made getting in and out of the ocean much easier. Stop for lunch at Restaurant 360 where you will find elegance and the finest cuisine with traditional Mediterranean flavours, complimented by an impressive wine cellar. The Old Town is incredibly quaint, and there are endless souvenir stalls with handmade copper jewelry, copper dishware, hand-embroidered notebooks, colorful lamps, and even functional items made from used bullets (like pens). The water is such a stunning color, and the falls are unreal. This may not be as strict as online forums make it seem, but I definitely was panicking at one point. Your email address will not be published. Smoking is even more common than it is in Western Europe. Hop off the boat to go and explore the quaint town, stroll along the cliffs where on a clear day you have spectacular views ofDubrovnik. The city is a typical medieval Dalmatian town with towers and red roofed houses, so saunter between the small streets and alleyways to truly experience the welcoming ambience. I also really liked eating donuts in Cavtat, a fishing town near the airport. Where to eat: Food House, a restaurant off the main pedestrian street with vegan options.
If you want to visit the underground part, you have to pay (I didnt go, so I cant tell you if it would be worth it). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 4. Days 10-13: Visit Kotor, Montenegro (take a day trip to Perast and Budva) Most of them are stray, but people will give them food, so many look well-nourished. While its not the most charming of Croatian cities (its more modern), there are still lovely corners, and prices arent as inflated as those in popular tourist destinations like Split and Dubrovnik. Theyre apparently very friendly in general, and dont mind a tummy rub or even being picked up. And when I looked lost in Split, an elderly man asked if I needed help. Montenegro and Croatia are two of our most recommended destinations for a crewed catamaran charter. Split captures the right balance between a contemporary European city whilst maintaining its traditions. Where to stay: I stayed in an Airbnb 1 mile from the Old Town, but Id also recommend staying closer to the Old Town. Say farewell to Hvar as you set sail north towards the islands of Brac and Salta, where you can enjoy your final lunch on board. (especially for the Azores). Be prepared to do some scouting! If you stay in an Airbnb or Booking.com apartment, youll pay your host; make sure your host has you registered, as this is apparently checked at the border. A concept I could totally get behind. Days 4-6: Visit Split, Croatia (visit nearby islands like Brac) Destinations in the Adriatic Sea: Dubrovnik | Split | Trogir | Montenegro | Slovenia, 7 Day Croatia and Montenegro Crewed Catamaran Itinerary. What to do: Museum of Broken Relationships, St. Marks Church After a peaceful night's sleep, head ashore in Dubrovnik to discover this Venetian town. 2021 imperfect idealist. The veggie plate is AMAZING and very generous. This unspoilt island is covered in luscious forest and is raved about for its two lakes, perfect for meandering around sunset. This island is not only one of the greenest but also is home to a myriad of vineyards, olive groves and quiet coves. If you do take the bus, know that you have to pay extra for any luggage stored underneath the bus (around 7 kunas or 1 euro per item). The city is famous for its coral rooftops and white marble buildings, with ruins from as far back as the Roman Empire. Mostar has a strong Turkish influence, hence all the lamps, intricate dishware, and eye-catching tea sets. Many major European cities offer direct flights here (like Paris, where I was flying in from). Mostar was my favorite stop on my Eastern Europe tripit felt like I was no longer in Europe, especially with the Turkish lamps in souvenir stalls, the mosques in the town, and the Turkish desserts like baklava. Input your search keywords and press Enter. There are cats everywhere. Where to eat: I didnt eat out in Dubrovnik Where to eat: Poljana, a state-owned restaurant that was surprisingly affordable, and had vegan options! Triathlon Training for a Marathon: My Experience. When you get into a taxi, always ask that it be metered, or decide on the rate beforehand. I stayed in an Airbnb, but wouldnt recommend it for its location.
Wander through the thriving streets, soaking up the atmosphere and gaze at the impressive monuments before having your final night's sleep on your catamaran. The end destination is Mljet but you also have the opportunity to dine in Procure. A luxury crewed catamaran will make your visit to the Adriatic even more enjoyable; it really is the perfect yacht type to sail around these idyllic villages in the summer sun. Stari Most is probably the best-known landmark in Mostar. I was worried about noise, but apparently it quiets down a lot at night (at least in April). After all, Portugal is much closer to the US than Croatia, and sometimes flying from Boston to Portugal is faster than flying from Paris! Put your feet up and plug your iPod in to cruise along in complete peace and tranquility. For any shopaholics, you will be in your element with gorgeous silk production and embroidery, which is a local tradition and makes an unbeatable souvenir. That said, I did encounter one teenager in Montenegro who told me and an Irish friend Id made to get out and that living in the Balkans was miserable compared to visiting. Where to eat: Hoste Kotor, a tapas place in the Old Town with veggie options; the owner is happy to accommodate Here is where I document my (mis)adventures and try to offer some helpful advice. Note that I went as a solo female traveler, but this itinerary would work for families, groups of friends, and couples too. What to do: Diocletians Palace, Marjan Park, Green Market, Bacvice Beach If you stay in an Airbnb or Booking.com apartment, youll pay your host; make sure your host has you registered, as this is apparently checked at the border. I really wanted to buy a lamp and tea set, but they were a little too bulky and fragile for my luggage haha. Get in the midst of it all with a cold glass of wine and watch the world go by. After your gourmet lunch, you will continue to sail to Split where you will arrive just in time to watch the glorious and romantic sunset. I started with the upper lakes (the smaller falls, but still charming) and visited the lower lakes on the second day.
I can be a pretty solitary person when I travel, but it was easy to make friends and connect with locals. Drift along the cliff towards Herceg Novi and weather permitting stay on Mamula Island. Theme by Georgia Lou Studios.
I also try to advocate for the planet & its people. Bosnia & Herzegovina is on the Bosnian mark, but I got away with using euros in the Old Town, or my card when paying at restaurants. Most of them are stray, but people will give them food, so many look well-nourished. Days 6-8: Visit Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina (take a day trip to the Blagaj Tekija, first photo in this post)
This was the last stop on my trip, and it was convenient since Kotor is only 1.5 hours from the Dubrovnik Airport. ), and all very resonant. One of the most striking characteristics of Dubrovnik were the bustling alleyways. Enjoy the morning sail to Cavtat, feeling the wind in the sails as you bathe on the trampoline under the sun. Rating: 4.9 / 5 Here, youll find beaches, historical sites, and scenic walks along the hills surrounding the city. People may even smoke in their apartments, so be sure to ask your hosts about their rules if youre sensitive to cigarette smoke. Day 14: Fly out of Dubrovnik (there are buses in the high season for 25 euros, or you can split a cab for 80 euros total). After the Bosnian War in 1994 (when Bosnia & Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia), locals took the used ammunition and turned it into pens, sculptures, and other souvenirs. This busy destination is lively in the evening with many good restaurants, street performances and a buzzing nightlife scene. It may be difficult to find tasty and filling food as a vegan. I really had no shortage of company on this trip, even as a solo traveler. If you stay in a hotel, the tax (1 euro/night) should be included. Feel free to join me for the ride. All rights reserved, The Ultimate Balkan Road Trip Itinerary (Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro), Interview with Stephanie Langlet, from Tribes and Minorities. Be prepared to do some scouting! Days 8-10: Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia (visit nearby islands/areas, like Lokrum, Mlini, and Cavtat) Let me know what you thought, or if theres a gem that I missed! Not like what I had imagined for eastern europe at all. Plitvice Lakes is a Croatian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, youll find pristine turquoise waters, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and endless nature trails. I noticed that my Airbnbs tended to be more independent/business oriented, where I didnt interact much with the hosts. Continue your sail towards the main town of Hvar where you will be spending the night. Online sources will warn you about theft and taxi fare scams though, so always be vigilant. Where to stay: near the main bus station, or closer to the Old Town. I wouldve loved to stop for a meal in one, though I suppose its probably a tourist trap. I missed this post last time as I had to stop reading as I had to go out but Im really glad I read it as I love your itinerary esp as my husband is veggie and I got a bit tired of meat when I was there. These countries are on different currenciesCroatia, while a member of the EU, is on the kuna. You can take a bus for 25 euros in the high season, or pay 80 euros for a cab. What to do: visit old town, Karaoz Bey mosque (great view of Stari Most, the famous bridge), trip to Blagaj Tekija, the iconic Dervish monastery at the mouth of the Buna river (first photo in post) Theyre apparently very friendly in general, and dont mind a tummy rub or even being picked up. Set sail in the afternoon to test the waters on your catamaran and feel at ease with your crew. Mljet is a spectacular hotspot especially for any guests interested in wine, olives and a speciacily local goats cheese, as they are the traditional and renowned food on the islands. Several of the key worldwide chartering events of the year. Where to stay: Cosy Rooms in the Center of Split (24 euros/night); run by the sweetest family. This is one of the more iconic spots in the city, as the tiled roof is very eye-catching. Theyre luckily right next to each other, which made getting around easier. Have you ever visited any of these spots? It was both sobering and inspiring to see the reuse of such harmful objects in everyday items. Where to eat: Was not particularly impressed by any of the food I ate.
Contact. Ive got a blog friend Ivana http://www.modaodaradosti.blogspot.com who is from Split but she lives in Mostar so I quite often read about places in Herzegovena but it is great to see your thoughts on the places. Contrary to what many people may think, the Balkans/Eastern Europe is pretty safe. Race Review: Paris Marathon 2019 + Breaking 4 Hours! This may not be as strict as online forums make it seem, but I definitely was panicking at one point. Some are touching, others disturbing, a couple gross (there was a 27-year-old scab on display! Plitvice Lakes is well-suited to all kinds of travelers, whether solo, couples, families, friendseven dogs are allowed! Granted, I didnt really go out at night, so that may color my perspective. Enjoy a fresh breakfast on the aft deck, absorbing the stunning views and hearing nothing but nature! Travel Notes & Beyond. As an English lectrice in France, I got a two-week Easter break, where I jetted off to the Balkans in Eastern Europe for the first time. Be aware of your privilege as a tourist, and know that not everyone is excited about tourism. Heres the 2-week Balkans itinerary that I took, based on the loads of research I did before my trip. My hosts were very attentive and sweet, a couple of them even welcoming me and taking care of me as if I were part of the family. The church is only open at Mass, so I just came to see the roof. Kotor is one of the prettiest towns I visited on this triptheres nothing like the misty mountains, turquoise waters, and charming Old Town. Combining superb views, gourmet dining and historical towns, you are guaranteed excellent opportunities to create unforgettable memories and experiences. If youre a Game of Thrones fan, theres plenty GOT-themed tours as this is a filming location. There is a tourist tax in Montenegro. You can also easily reach the stunning waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes by bus. These islands are truly spectacular, boasting charming architecture and characteristic landscapes which are certainly not to be missed. Like the true basic instagrammer I am, I resolved to go to Kotor when I saw stunning shots of the mountains in my feed. Where to stay: Full View Apartment (10 euros/night); also run by the sweetest familythe mother kept bringing me complimentary homemade food, and took me on a trip to the iconic Blagaj Tekija! (10 euros/night); also run by the sweetest familythe mother kept bringing me complimentary homemade food, and took me on a trip to the iconic Blagaj Tekija! complete guide for driving in the Balkans, 2 Weeks in Europe 10 Excellent Itinerary Ideas, 14 Spectacular Stops on the LA to San Francisco Drive, How to Dress Like a European The Ultimate Packing List for Europe, One Day in L.A. How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day, How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days the Perfect Itinerary. Souvenir shops overrun the old town, so youll definitely have a ton of options. I would definitely recommend the hike up the city walls, but 8 euros entry is a little pricey. The exhibits change regularly, so the museum is always a different experience. Days 3-4: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park Be aware of your privilege as a tourist, and know that not everyone is excited about tourism. Luckily, there are plenty of things to visit nearby, whether by boat or ground transport. If the weather is good, you can visit nearby islands, lie out on one of the beaches, or hike in the hills overlooking the city. Day 8 & 9: Split and Klis Fortress, Croatia, Day 13: Budva and Sveti Stefan, Montenegro. True to its name, you will dine with a 360-degree view of the harbour where you can admire the colourful fishing boats. Fort Imperial that will give you a glimpse into Croatias War of Independence. If you stay in a hotel, the tax (1 euro/night) should be included. Where I stayed: Main Square Hostel(14 euros/night). Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning that I may earn commission for any bookings or purchases you complete. While Ive wanted to go to more mainstream destinations for a while, like Portugal and southern Spain, I figured I should hit my less accessible destinations first.