Opinions on New Adriatic OAT Trip

Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 11:15 AM
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Opinions on New Adriatic OAT Trip

We are considering joining our friends on a new OAT trip, but would like some input on their itinerary. Does this look like a good itinerary to you, or will we be missing too many other key sites by taking this trip? We are thinking of getting there a few days early to see Hvar or Split. One of the considerations of this trip is that it does not spend time on a boat, which is good for me. I get deathly seasick.

BTW, I know certain folks out there would never take a tour, let alone OAT, but let's not address that at this time. We fully understand the value of independent travel. This is just an opportunity to go with our friends

The trip itself is as follows:

Kotor
Dubrovnik
Mostar
Sarajevo
Karanac (eastern Croatia)
Slavonski Brod
Zagreb
Lovran / Plitvice Lakes)
Pula
Istria
Postojna Caves
Ljubljana

Thoughts? Thank you!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 11:18 AM
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How about a link to the tour?
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 11:46 AM
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the locations are fine, but without knowing how much time you get to spend at each one and what the quality of the tour guides is, it is hard to judge. Have you checked trip advisor reviews?

ps to avoid seasickness when going to Hvar, you may want to try a catamaran versus a ferry--quicker and I find less movement, of course with ferry you can stay on deck in the wind.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 12:13 PM
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I'm guessing this is the trip.

http://www.oattravel.com/Trips/2014/...ravel-foy.aspx

With only a list of towns it's difficult to give considered opinions of the trip.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 12:21 PM
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Looks like a good trip although you're not going to Split but you can't travel everywhere.

Take the optional trip to Lake Bled; it's lovely there.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 01:44 PM
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Yes, adrienne, that is the link to the trip. Thank you. There are no reviews, since 2014 will be the first time they offer this itinerary.

Yorkshire, I would get sea sick on a swing set, so catamaran, while better, still no good.

We will look at going early and seeing Split. And yes, I have heard Lake Bled is beautiful.

Thank you for the feedback - we will probably go ahead and do this.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 01:57 PM
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>

I never read reviews, especially on tour company web sites, since I have no idea who the people are and how discerning they are. It's different on this forum where I know who has valuable input and who to ignore.

I've done several Grand Circle trips and thought they were very good so I think you can depend on OAT trips to give you good value.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 04:31 PM
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From the link adrienne posted, it looks pretty good overall to me. A couple of things you might want to consider:

It seems that you would only be in Mostar for the day. That works in terms of seeing the highest priority sites there, but Mostar is at its best after day-trippers leave IMO.

From your post, it sounds like the reason for 2 nights in Lovran is because there's an option to visit Plitvice Lakes during the middle day. The Plitvice Lakes are stunning; I was really glad that I spent a night there so I could devote the better part of the day in the park. (As I recall, I spent between 6 and 7 hours there.) So, depending on when you go (and so when sunrise and sunset are) and the arrangements for the day, you may or may not have the time you would like in the park. Oh, and do check the plans for the park -- many routes through Plitvice Lakes include a short boat ride.

BTW, I liked Lovran very much. When I was there (2009), it was a bit off the then current tourist route: Most hotels seemed to offer a rather faded elegance, and the very small historic core of the city had an authentic feel to it (translation: there was no evidence of any benefit of tourist dollars). I appreciated those things, which I prefer to places that seem to exist almost entirely to support the tourist industry. I mention it only because it might not be to everyone's taste.

The other thing I would mention about Lovran is that it is at one end of an absolutely gorgeous waterfront promenade that extends about 6 miles to the east. WELL worth seeing if you can do so without interfering with your time in the Plitvice Lakes (in terms of both daylight hours and traveler fitness).

I'm a bit surprised that the tour has you in Zagreb for 3 nights. I really enjoyed my time in Zagreb, but my impression is that many people skip it and/or don't find much there that suits their interests. I thought it had some very interesting museums, lovely parks, and interesting neighborhoods. Is it possible that the day trip to Plitvice Lakes is from Zagreb, with a day through Istria from Lovran? I don't see any time for Istria in the itinerary on the link except, perhaps, for a drive through on the way to Ljubljana. But maybe I'm not making the correct assumptions about what the route will be.

Given your sensitivity to sea sickness, you might want to skip Hvar. Visit Split and Trogir instead.

Hope that helps!
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Old Aug 3rd, 2013, 08:15 AM
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kja, thanks for the extensive information. Regarding the 3 nights in Zagreb: I looks like we have one day actually in Zagreb, one day for the tour to Plitvice Lakes, and then on the 3rd day head out to Lovan. So, yes, 3 nights, but only one day seeing Zagreb itself. And yes, the day trip to Istria is from Lovan.

Your description of Lovan sounds perfect.

Now I am getting excited!
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Old Aug 3rd, 2013, 05:26 PM
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Hi Megdean

Funny you should ask. I just returned from a family reunion today. My cousin ( a retired surgeon) and his wife took that OAT trip in reverse starting in Ljubjana a few months ago and were quite satisfied. They have traveled widely in Europe for years.

I believe that they started with an extension to Lake Bled. Again, they gave a strong endorsement.

Good luck…
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Old Sep 30th, 2013, 09:38 AM
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Hello again,

Based on the information provided by Fodorites above (thank you!), we signed up for the Adriatic trip discussed above. But now, OAT offers an additional trip. Now I am confused which is a better option for our first trip to this part of the world.

http://www.oattravel.com/trips/2014/...y.aspx#tripNav

I keep going back and forth. Two different trips - I need to make up my mind. Any insights? Thanks.
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Old Sep 30th, 2013, 11:50 AM
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The second tour (just above) doesn't give enough time in Prague or Budapest (2 days in each). Other than that it's quite a diverse itinerary. The monastery outside Cesky Krumlov was very interesting and pretty and I never see references to it from folks on this board who have gone to CK.

Since you start in Prague and end in Budapest I would add a day or two to each end of the trip to see these cities in more depth.

I have not been to every place on either tour but my opinion is that the Czech Republic is much prettier and more interesting than Croatia, which I did not take to. I would be inclined to do the CR tour.

Of course, you'll get the opposite opinion from others. LOL
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Old Sep 30th, 2013, 03:14 PM
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I agree that if you switch, you would do well to add time in both Prague and Budapest. I think each deserves at least four full days. I haven't been to the other places on the second tour yet. The world is full of wonderful places. Only you can decide which trip you want.
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 05:15 PM
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what is OAT?
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 07:50 PM
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>

The link given above tells you that it's Overseas Adventure Travel.
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