Croatia vs Prague - suggestion pls
Jul 26th, 2015, 11:15 AM
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Croatia vs Prague - suggestion pls
I will traveling with my wife to Europe in September & will be having about a week to explore around..I have to be in Pula, Croatia on last day of the trip for some work..
We have a choice between Only Croatia for a week or 4 days Prague & 3 days Istria, Croatia.
We normally like to go around museums, hikes, cafes etc.. also this would be my wife's first European visit so I wish her first experience to be rememberable!
We have a choice between Only Croatia for a week or 4 days Prague & 3 days Istria, Croatia.
We normally like to go around museums, hikes, cafes etc.. also this would be my wife's first European visit so I wish her first experience to be rememberable!
Jul 26th, 2015, 12:36 PM
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I love Prague. I also love parts of Croatia - Rovinj was wonderful. I was just there in April.
I think you need to narrow it down to what specifically you'd want to see in Croatia with those extra. What else would you want to do? Plitvice Lakes National Park certainly comes to mind - not too far away, an amazing place with dozens of waterfalls and big lakes. (I've been twice.) You could also sneak up to say Ljubljana, Slovenia, perhaps. It's a lovely city, and it would at least give you some of the feel of Prague, with plenty of cafes and beautiful architecture and some museums (not that Ljubljana and Prague are equivalent).
Logistically, Ljubljana is closer than Prague, unless you have a direct flight option between Pula and Prague or something? I also don't know how you'd be arriving/departing. If getting to Prague then makes it easier to get home or to arrive in Europe, maybe that makes up for some of the distance it is from Croatia.
I think you need to narrow it down to what specifically you'd want to see in Croatia with those extra. What else would you want to do? Plitvice Lakes National Park certainly comes to mind - not too far away, an amazing place with dozens of waterfalls and big lakes. (I've been twice.) You could also sneak up to say Ljubljana, Slovenia, perhaps. It's a lovely city, and it would at least give you some of the feel of Prague, with plenty of cafes and beautiful architecture and some museums (not that Ljubljana and Prague are equivalent).
Logistically, Ljubljana is closer than Prague, unless you have a direct flight option between Pula and Prague or something? I also don't know how you'd be arriving/departing. If getting to Prague then makes it easier to get home or to arrive in Europe, maybe that makes up for some of the distance it is from Croatia.
Jul 26th, 2015, 02:27 PM
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I will follow this post with interest because I will be visiting Prague next May, and had a wonderful two weeks in Croatia a few years ago, so I relish comparisons between the two.
One observation would be that language may be a problem in either of the two countries. I expected it to be so in Croatia when I found I was hopeless with Croatian. I really tried hard to learn at least the polite phrases of greeting; defaulting to French or Spanish when I tried to bring up the right words. On the ground, however, I had absolutely no problem communicating. Almost everyone in Croatia under the age of 50 can speak a bit of English; it is a required subject in the schools.
I don't think the same holds true in Czechoslovakia, so I am starting now to memorize how to ask directions to the bathroom.
One observation would be that language may be a problem in either of the two countries. I expected it to be so in Croatia when I found I was hopeless with Croatian. I really tried hard to learn at least the polite phrases of greeting; defaulting to French or Spanish when I tried to bring up the right words. On the ground, however, I had absolutely no problem communicating. Almost everyone in Croatia under the age of 50 can speak a bit of English; it is a required subject in the schools.
I don't think the same holds true in Czechoslovakia, so I am starting now to memorize how to ask directions to the bathroom.
Jul 26th, 2015, 02:40 PM
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I agree that it really depends on what YOU want to see and experience. I also agree with Andrew's suggestion to see the Plitvice Lakes National Park if you decide to spend time in Croatia. It is, IMO, the single most magnificent site in Croatia, and would certainly fit well with your interest in hiking.
If museums are a priority, Prague may make more sense, as there are only a few museums in Istria and most of them are small ones that focus on local history. Zagreb has some interesting museums, as does Ljubljana, so you could consider one or both of them if you choose to skip Prague this time around.
Another think you might consider is the ease of returning to either area. For some of us, getting to Pula is more time consuming and costly than getting to Prague; if so, maximizing your time in Istria and nearby destinations might make most sense. Just something to consider!
Both are wonderful destinations -- enjoy!
If museums are a priority, Prague may make more sense, as there are only a few museums in Istria and most of them are small ones that focus on local history. Zagreb has some interesting museums, as does Ljubljana, so you could consider one or both of them if you choose to skip Prague this time around.
Another think you might consider is the ease of returning to either area. For some of us, getting to Pula is more time consuming and costly than getting to Prague; if so, maximizing your time in Istria and nearby destinations might make most sense. Just something to consider!
Both are wonderful destinations -- enjoy!
Jul 26th, 2015, 02:42 PM
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I had no more trouble with language in Czech Republic than I did in Croatia or anywhere else. People in the tourist industry generally speak a little English, at least enough to get by, especially if they are younger. Then again, I rarely try to engage in serious conversations when I travel. I don't try to learn the local language before a visit, but I do try to learn a few words like hello, thank you, etc.
Occasionally on my travels I find someone who speaks not one word of English, but if I'm checking into a hotel or ordering at a restaurant, we both know why I'm there and what I'm likely to be trying to say. If you're at a hotel, you know they want your passport; they know you'll want to know the WiFi password, etc. You can figure things out.
My only worry in Europe with language has been with alphabets: I spent some time in Bosnia and Montenegro on my last trip and the Cyrillic alphabet made me nervous at first, but it turned out not to be a big issue, even outside of the big towns. Most road signs were in both Latin and Cyrillic.
Occasionally on my travels I find someone who speaks not one word of English, but if I'm checking into a hotel or ordering at a restaurant, we both know why I'm there and what I'm likely to be trying to say. If you're at a hotel, you know they want your passport; they know you'll want to know the WiFi password, etc. You can figure things out.
My only worry in Europe with language has been with alphabets: I spent some time in Bosnia and Montenegro on my last trip and the Cyrillic alphabet made me nervous at first, but it turned out not to be a big issue, even outside of the big towns. Most road signs were in both Latin and Cyrillic.
Jul 26th, 2015, 03:47 PM
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Cyrillic alphabet is not hard to learn. I have just returned from Russia
and was glad I could read the signs in the metro.
Croatian and Czech are rather similar, you will find people in Prague who speak
English.
and was glad I could read the signs in the metro.
Croatian and Czech are rather similar, you will find people in Prague who speak
English.
Jul 26th, 2015, 04:09 PM
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The wall fell a good long time ago and basic English is understood and spoken in Prague by most people you will encounter as a tourist. If you run into one who doesn't someone else in the shop or restaurant or theater will.
The first time I went - about 20 years ago - there were signs everywhere offering English lessons to locals for about $1 per hour. And although the feeling was still very strongly Czech everyplace we went was trying to adapt - even offering xeroxed menus in English in many places (with rally cute weird spellings). When I last went back about 5 years ago a lot of the streets of/near the Old Town were lined with globally known designer shops and one could here many different languages all over the streets - including a lot of English.
The first time I went - about 20 years ago - there were signs everywhere offering English lessons to locals for about $1 per hour. And although the feeling was still very strongly Czech everyplace we went was trying to adapt - even offering xeroxed menus in English in many places (with rally cute weird spellings). When I last went back about 5 years ago a lot of the streets of/near the Old Town were lined with globally known designer shops and one could here many different languages all over the streets - including a lot of English.
Jul 26th, 2015, 06:04 PM
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Thanks for all your replies.
I have my return flight from Pula only.
If going to Prague then I shall be taking a one stop flight from Prague to Pula.
Plitvice lake is surely an interesting inclusion for Istria..
Prague seems to be interesting option as there are lot of activities & archecture. + 4 days could be good enough to explore it.
No doubt logistically covering both Croatia & Prague is little difficult & expensive , we will loose half a day in traveling if not more..
This is the reason we were considering exploring only Croatia for 7 days. Starting from Dubrovnik /any island /Pula & nearby..
Is it advisable to cover these parts in 7 days or the time is too short?
I have my return flight from Pula only.
If going to Prague then I shall be taking a one stop flight from Prague to Pula.
Plitvice lake is surely an interesting inclusion for Istria..
Prague seems to be interesting option as there are lot of activities & archecture. + 4 days could be good enough to explore it.
No doubt logistically covering both Croatia & Prague is little difficult & expensive , we will loose half a day in traveling if not more..
This is the reason we were considering exploring only Croatia for 7 days. Starting from Dubrovnik /any island /Pula & nearby..
Is it advisable to cover these parts in 7 days or the time is too short?
Jul 26th, 2015, 06:21 PM
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"Prague seems to be interesting option as there are lot of activities & archecture. + 4 days could be good enough to explore it. "
Right -- but I do you have 4 days once you count transportation? As you go on to note, "we will loose half a day in traveling if not more.."
"Starting from Dubrovnik /any island /Pula & nearby..
Is it advisable to cover these parts in 7 days or the time is too short?"
I spent more than 2 weeks in THAT part of Croatia, not counting my time in Slovenia or northeastern Croatia or areas outside of Croatia (Mostar, Sarajevo, Kotor...), and I felt rushed. Croatia offers an incredible range and variety of options -- different cultural backgrounds, different geographical features, different foods.... You don't face any BAD choices, but you face some DIFFICULT choices.
So, again, it depends on what YOU want to see an experience. And unfortunately, NONE of us can answer that.
With one week, you could, IMO, see Istria, the Plitvice Lakes, and either Zagreb or Ljubljana. If you choose Zagreb, you might be able to smash delightful Varaždin into your time. If you choose Ljubljana, you might be able to squash Lake Bled into your time, but you would, IMO, have to really skim to manage that.
Or, if you choose Istria and the Plitvice Lakes, you might be able to add Split (rather than either Zagreb or Ljubljana) -- Split is a fascinating and vibrant city, IMO, with interesting museums and even some options for short hikes to scenic points. I mention this option in particular because you might be able to fly into Split ... possibly worth considering. (Zagreb and Ljubljana are also possible flight options.)
Re: the Plitvice Lakes: Not only are the lakes connected by travertine waterfall formations, each lake has unique microbiota, and as a result, the lakes are different colors. The best way to see that is to make a single, long loop through the park -- something on the order of 6 hours or more (including time for the boat that connects the lower and upper lakes). It truly is a stunning place.
Hope that helps!
Right -- but I do you have 4 days once you count transportation? As you go on to note, "we will loose half a day in traveling if not more.."
"Starting from Dubrovnik /any island /Pula & nearby..
Is it advisable to cover these parts in 7 days or the time is too short?"
I spent more than 2 weeks in THAT part of Croatia, not counting my time in Slovenia or northeastern Croatia or areas outside of Croatia (Mostar, Sarajevo, Kotor...), and I felt rushed. Croatia offers an incredible range and variety of options -- different cultural backgrounds, different geographical features, different foods.... You don't face any BAD choices, but you face some DIFFICULT choices.
So, again, it depends on what YOU want to see an experience. And unfortunately, NONE of us can answer that.
With one week, you could, IMO, see Istria, the Plitvice Lakes, and either Zagreb or Ljubljana. If you choose Zagreb, you might be able to smash delightful Varaždin into your time. If you choose Ljubljana, you might be able to squash Lake Bled into your time, but you would, IMO, have to really skim to manage that.
Or, if you choose Istria and the Plitvice Lakes, you might be able to add Split (rather than either Zagreb or Ljubljana) -- Split is a fascinating and vibrant city, IMO, with interesting museums and even some options for short hikes to scenic points. I mention this option in particular because you might be able to fly into Split ... possibly worth considering. (Zagreb and Ljubljana are also possible flight options.)
Re: the Plitvice Lakes: Not only are the lakes connected by travertine waterfall formations, each lake has unique microbiota, and as a result, the lakes are different colors. The best way to see that is to make a single, long loop through the park -- something on the order of 6 hours or more (including time for the boat that connects the lower and upper lakes). It truly is a stunning place.
Hope that helps!
Jul 26th, 2015, 06:33 PM
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I thought you were interested in Prague because of the museums, cafes, etc.? Prague is a great choice for that. Dubrovnik (beautiful city) isn't so much. There are museums there but not of the quality you'll find in other European cities like Prague.
Dubrovnik and Prague are both rather touristy these days, but Dubrovnik is much smaller and seems overwhelmed by tourists during the day (cruise ship passengers).
If you prefer more time on the Croatian coast - Dubrovnik + a quick island, ocean sunsets and seaside breezes instead of museums and cafe life in a real working city like Prague - nothing wrong with that. I'm sure you can come up with a workable itinerary that gives you a few days in Dubrovnik (two nights is probably enough). But comparing that to Prague is comparing two different types of experiences. Up to you what you prefer.
Dubrovnik and Prague are both rather touristy these days, but Dubrovnik is much smaller and seems overwhelmed by tourists during the day (cruise ship passengers).
If you prefer more time on the Croatian coast - Dubrovnik + a quick island, ocean sunsets and seaside breezes instead of museums and cafe life in a real working city like Prague - nothing wrong with that. I'm sure you can come up with a workable itinerary that gives you a few days in Dubrovnik (two nights is probably enough). But comparing that to Prague is comparing two different types of experiences. Up to you what you prefer.
Jul 27th, 2015, 07:36 AM
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You will need to rent a car to see Croatia. Dubrovnik is too far. and even Plitvice is a bit of a trip from Istria, 3.5 hours at least. You would need to stay at least one night at Plitvice to appreciate the lakes. However with a car, you don't need to stay in Pula -- not my favorite place. Much prefer Rovinj and Porec.
If you go to Plitvice, you could spend the rest of your days exploring the Istrian peninsula. It's an interesting combination of Croatia and Italy, with neat little hilltowns, vineyards and truffles.
In Prague you won't want or need a car.
If you go to Plitvice, you could spend the rest of your days exploring the Istrian peninsula. It's an interesting combination of Croatia and Italy, with neat little hilltowns, vineyards and truffles.
In Prague you won't want or need a car.
Jul 28th, 2015, 07:12 AM
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Difficult choice to make. Prague is magical and there are many things to see and do there-very easy to navigate via public transportation. We had a guide for two days while there, Highly recommend Helena Martínková through http://www.prague-guide.info/
Croatia is also very lovely. We head to Istria next month (Amsterdam for a week first, then to Istria for two weeks). We have been to the mainland portion of Croatia already and that is also wonderful; Zagreb quite lively, Trogir lovely-close to Split, Plitvice stunning and Dubrovnik beyond imagination but we certainly couldn't manage the peninsula on that 2 1/2 week trip. We tend to not jam many locations in to one week but you could pick a nice base if you have a car and see some of it that way. Happy travels, the planning is about 50% of the joy of travel
Croatia is also very lovely. We head to Istria next month (Amsterdam for a week first, then to Istria for two weeks). We have been to the mainland portion of Croatia already and that is also wonderful; Zagreb quite lively, Trogir lovely-close to Split, Plitvice stunning and Dubrovnik beyond imagination but we certainly couldn't manage the peninsula on that 2 1/2 week trip. We tend to not jam many locations in to one week but you could pick a nice base if you have a car and see some of it that way. Happy travels, the planning is about 50% of the joy of travel
Jul 29th, 2015, 12:01 PM
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Thanks everyone! All your replies will surely help us plan better.
Well.. we have decided to stick to Croatia as we have to be in Pula on last day of the trip, so might as well spend all 7 days in Croatia Itself & leave Prague for next trip.
We shall be based in Germany before this trip & can take a morning flight to Dubrovnik or Split & will be flying out from Pula on 8th day. I tend not to travel on long routes specially on consecutive days but a day trip to a nearby location would be fine & I think that is what many ppl do while traveling in croatia..
It would nice if we can go to some nice Islands in between & perhaps enjoy some nice scene & Kayaking (or water activities)..
Please help us with following itinerary -
Day 1 - Dubrovnik / Split (Will reach by 10 am)
Day 2 -
Day 3-
Day 4-
Day 5-
Day 6-
Day 7- Reach Pula to attend concert in amphitheatre.. I can take a flight from Split to Pula as it will save time (Considering Croatian Airlines is not that expensive till now..)
Day 8-Fly out of Pula.
Thanks a lot!!
Well.. we have decided to stick to Croatia as we have to be in Pula on last day of the trip, so might as well spend all 7 days in Croatia Itself & leave Prague for next trip.
We shall be based in Germany before this trip & can take a morning flight to Dubrovnik or Split & will be flying out from Pula on 8th day. I tend not to travel on long routes specially on consecutive days but a day trip to a nearby location would be fine & I think that is what many ppl do while traveling in croatia..
It would nice if we can go to some nice Islands in between & perhaps enjoy some nice scene & Kayaking (or water activities)..
Please help us with following itinerary -
Day 1 - Dubrovnik / Split (Will reach by 10 am)
Day 2 -
Day 3-
Day 4-
Day 5-
Day 6-
Day 7- Reach Pula to attend concert in amphitheatre.. I can take a flight from Split to Pula as it will save time (Considering Croatian Airlines is not that expensive till now..)
Day 8-Fly out of Pula.
Thanks a lot!!
Jul 29th, 2015, 04:17 PM
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I think you will find much to enjoy in Croatia!
Let me add my voice to the others who have specifically said that we don't think you have enough time to include Dubrovnik on this trip. You might have time to start in Split. Now that you have made your decision, you might review the advice already given upthread.
Let me add my voice to the others who have specifically said that we don't think you have enough time to include Dubrovnik on this trip. You might have time to start in Split. Now that you have made your decision, you might review the advice already given upthread.
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