Rebecca

Now that things might open up in Yugoslavia, I'm thinking about traveling there next June. Any thoughts or ideas? I'd like to travel all around the region (Croatia, Bosnia) but also Belgrade and Montenegro. I visited when it was one country in 1961 and fell in love with it. I was 16 at the time. Thanks. p.s. any idea of costs?

Robert

I can help you with Croatia. It is certainly worth visiting. If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer. <BR>Prices are mostly lower than west Europe.

Rebecca

Thanks for responding. How do you suggest getting around, and where should we go? I was thinking of Zagreb and the coast, but don't know whether to fly between those locations or drive. As far as prices go, can you find hotels that are priced as low as Spain? We don't need anything fancy, just basic comfort with atmosphere too, if possible!

Robert

You can start by visiting Zagreb. I think spending a weekend in Zagreb would be a good choice. Zagreb is a typical central-European city with many beautiful old buildings and charming baroque old town. Also it has a nice surroundings with many old castles. On the main square there is a very friendly tourist information bureau where you can get all the information and brochures. Hotel Dubrovnik and Hotel Palace are good hotels, centrally located with moderate prices. <BR>More info here: <BR>http://www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/ <BR> <BR>You can travel between Zagreb and the coast by plain or you can drive. If you choose to drive don't miss Plitvice Lakes on the road to Split. It is a spectacular nature park with many small lakes on different levels, all connected with waterfalls and surrounded by mountains and forests. Roads are in good shape and driving is pleasant. If you choose flying, you can fly to any major city on the coast (Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka). Maybe you can fly to Split and then do a little island hopping. There are good ferry and fast coastal lines all along the coast. As for the accommodation on the coast, there are many hotels with different price range. Reservation would be a good idea because in the high season most of the hotels are full. Private accommodation is another option and the cheapest one. Don't have any fear because private rooms or apartments are of very good standard. Wherever you come go to the tourist office and ask for private accommodation and they will give you many options and price ranges. <BR>If you choose Dalmatia I recommend Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korcula. They are all ancient towns, beautiful architecture, and many things to do and see. And the sea... well I think it is the cleanest and clearest as you can get. I don't know what to say about Dubrovnik. It is probably one of the most beautiful towns in the world. Korcula is like a small Dubrovnik, with old fortifications and towers. And Hvar... just magical. The smell of lavender which groves all along the island is something you will never forget. There are some beautiful beaches and restaurants on the nearby Pakleni islands. Also neighboring island of Brac is great. In the small village Bol there is the most beautiful Croatian beach called Zlatni Rat. You can find its picture in every brochure or catalog. <BR>In the northern Adriatic, Opatija is a beautiful town with many new and old (19th century) hotels, immaculately kept parks and long "Lungo mare" (seaside promenade) that stretches for several miles connecting all small towns along Opatija Riviera. This is the place where Austrian royalties used to go for vacation and still it shows. Nearby island are also beautiful and you can take one day excursions to many places. In Istria, Rovinj and Porec are charming little towns, very Italian looking. From there you can take a day trip to Brioni islands or even to Venice. <BR>Some links: <BR> <BR>http://www.croguide.com/ <BR> <BR>Most of the Croatian hotels are listed here with prices in many currencies plus basic information about all the towns and regions. <BR> <BR> <BR>http://www.htz.hr/ <BR>This is an official Croatian tourism site. Very useful. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps and enjoy Croatia. <BR>

Rebecca

Robert, thank you very much for all the great information. Now I'm very excited about going to Croatia. You write about it in such an enticing way! Thanks again.