Super Excited! 3 weeks need your help!
Oct 28th, 2016, 12:51 PM
#21
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I've stayed at the B & B Kastel 1700 too. It's a quirky place, but good for the price; the dilemma comes if you are in one of the higher floors as there is no lift. And it can be kind of noisy because its right on the riva.
Here's another option: Hotel Luxe http://www.hotelluxesplit.com/
Its a bit more glamorous, and has a lift but its not terribly expensive. Also it is very convenient to walk to the catamarans and ferries from there.
Plitvice Miric Inn is wonderful, but when I was there they told me that next year they won't be doing their fabulous dinners anymore. I hope that changes, but in the meantime, if its important to you to have dinner on site you might want to go with kja's rec. I certainly am hoping they change their minds when they've had a few weeks break.
Also - its only a four hour drive from Rovinj to Plitvice, you could either make stops or buy a two day pass so that you can see the park over two days. Its also good to have the flexibility in case the weather is not so great one day (which in May, can absolutely happen.) You can leave it open, and keep an eye on the weather report.
Here's another option: Hotel Luxe http://www.hotelluxesplit.com/
Its a bit more glamorous, and has a lift but its not terribly expensive. Also it is very convenient to walk to the catamarans and ferries from there.
Plitvice Miric Inn is wonderful, but when I was there they told me that next year they won't be doing their fabulous dinners anymore. I hope that changes, but in the meantime, if its important to you to have dinner on site you might want to go with kja's rec. I certainly am hoping they change their minds when they've had a few weeks break.
Also - its only a four hour drive from Rovinj to Plitvice, you could either make stops or buy a two day pass so that you can see the park over two days. Its also good to have the flexibility in case the weather is not so great one day (which in May, can absolutely happen.) You can leave it open, and keep an eye on the weather report.
Nov 2nd, 2016, 09:19 PM
#22
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Rialtogrl good point on the keeping an eye on the weather and driving over earlier if it looks to be bad.
Ended up getting a room at Murum Boutique inside Diocletian's Palace - looks to be close to the museum. So excited! $$ But took Kja comment to heart on wishing to have splurged there. The Hotel Luxe looks ultra mod - another good option for sure.
What is this dinner you are talking about at Plitvice Miric! Rate includes breakfast and I see no mention of one, thought they say they have a restaurant that uses organic foods from local farmers.
Got the room at the Korcula Royal Apts for our stay there, and Sunce Palace in Dubrovnik.
Need to figure out the car for the first 8 days picking it up in Zagreb. Reading all the ins and outs of insurance and the proof the rental counters will ask for from my insurance company if I turn down their coverage. I know I could take public transportation, but with going to Lake Bled and Plitvice it will give us more flexibility as well as ease of travel. Any suggestions on that would be good. Reading reviews on all of them, they all have issues!
Ended up getting a room at Murum Boutique inside Diocletian's Palace - looks to be close to the museum. So excited! $$ But took Kja comment to heart on wishing to have splurged there. The Hotel Luxe looks ultra mod - another good option for sure.
What is this dinner you are talking about at Plitvice Miric! Rate includes breakfast and I see no mention of one, thought they say they have a restaurant that uses organic foods from local farmers.
Got the room at the Korcula Royal Apts for our stay there, and Sunce Palace in Dubrovnik.
Need to figure out the car for the first 8 days picking it up in Zagreb. Reading all the ins and outs of insurance and the proof the rental counters will ask for from my insurance company if I turn down their coverage. I know I could take public transportation, but with going to Lake Bled and Plitvice it will give us more flexibility as well as ease of travel. Any suggestions on that would be good. Reading reviews on all of them, they all have issues!
Nov 2nd, 2016, 09:51 PM
#23
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Sounds like you've made great progress! I'll be interested to see what you think of the Murum Boutique -- it looks great! And I hope you enjoy the Royal Apartments in Korcula.
When traveling in Europe, I make my car reservations through gemut.com, which works with AutoEurope. I've found the service through gemut excellent, and even if you don't rent from them, you might want to read their web pages on renting cars in Europe. Definitely contact your credit card company first to find out what insurance it covers.
And if picking up a car in Zagreb to drive into Slovenia, make sure the car has the "vignette" which is used in Slovenia as a road pass and that you display it on your windshield. If the car doesn't already have it, you need to buy a vignette immediately upon crossing the border into Slovenia, or even before, at a gas station or other store. Otherwise you risk a big fine.
When traveling in Europe, I make my car reservations through gemut.com, which works with AutoEurope. I've found the service through gemut excellent, and even if you don't rent from them, you might want to read their web pages on renting cars in Europe. Definitely contact your credit card company first to find out what insurance it covers.
And if picking up a car in Zagreb to drive into Slovenia, make sure the car has the "vignette" which is used in Slovenia as a road pass and that you display it on your windshield. If the car doesn't already have it, you need to buy a vignette immediately upon crossing the border into Slovenia, or even before, at a gas station or other store. Otherwise you risk a big fine.
Nov 3rd, 2016, 11:52 AM
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Regarding the dinners at Plitvice Miric - if you weren't counting on them, great! And now they have told me they still might be doing dinners next year. But they are not sure yet. So if they have the dinner when you are there, take it! If not go somewhere else. 
Nov 6th, 2016, 07:45 PM
#26
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Well now I am back to counting on that great dinner : ) fingers crossed.
I sent in a request to Gemut and got a pretty reasonable quote on a car rental. Only real pricey part was the drop off fee - but I figured that was coming. I am waiting to hear back on a couple of questions and then will pull the trigger on that.
Working on our 5 days in France and 4 in Prague and then I will be done. Have hotels in both areas through points and just trying to decide what museums to visit! My friends who have been often are weighing in and sighing dramatically when I say I want to go to Musee des Arts Decoratifs and Musee des Arts Forains lol as to being to niche and with wait times and lines and distances I should only do the big ones. Oolala such dilemma to have!
Thank you for such great tips, kindness, and thoughtful replies. I will post back when we return and give feedback!
I sent in a request to Gemut and got a pretty reasonable quote on a car rental. Only real pricey part was the drop off fee - but I figured that was coming. I am waiting to hear back on a couple of questions and then will pull the trigger on that.
Working on our 5 days in France and 4 in Prague and then I will be done. Have hotels in both areas through points and just trying to decide what museums to visit! My friends who have been often are weighing in and sighing dramatically when I say I want to go to Musee des Arts Decoratifs and Musee des Arts Forains lol as to being to niche and with wait times and lines and distances I should only do the big ones. Oolala such dilemma to have!
Thank you for such great tips, kindness, and thoughtful replies. I will post back when we return and give feedback!
Nov 6th, 2016, 08:15 PM
#27
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Sounds like you are on your way to a fantastic trip!
My advice, FWIW: See what YOU want to see! It's YOUR trip. Some perspective: I love art. I can -- and frequently do -- visit museums all day long day after day after day, and it just whets my appetite for more! But I skipped the Louvre on my first visit to Paris. Too much else to see and treasure in the face of crowds and an outrageous line (no easy access at that time). Yes, I've seen it since and yes, I'm very glad I did, but I couldn't do everything on either trip I've been able to take to that magnificent city, and I am perfectly comfortable with my decisions. There is SO much worth seeing that, to me, it really makes no sense to plan you trip around what others think are "must sees," when you can -- and are willing to! -- plan your trip around your own interests. Go for it!
(And that's true for Paris and anywhere else in the world, IMO.)
My advice, FWIW: See what YOU want to see! It's YOUR trip.
Some perspective: I love art. I can -- and frequently do -- visit museums all day long day after day after day, and it just whets my appetite for more! But I skipped the Louvre on my first visit to Paris. Too much else to see and treasure in the face of crowds and an outrageous line (no easy access at that time). Yes, I've seen it since and yes, I'm very glad I did, but I couldn't do everything on either trip I've been able to take to that magnificent city, and I am perfectly comfortable with my decisions. There is SO much worth seeing that, to me, it really makes no sense to plan you trip around what others think are "must sees," when you can -- and are willing to! -- plan your trip around your own interests. Go for it!(And that's true for Paris and anywhere else in the world, IMO.)
May 31st, 2017, 06:04 PM
#28
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Recap of our vacation! For starters can not believe it is already over!
We spent 26 days in four countries the end of April into May. I will go over each individually.
Paris, France - Hotel Marriott Vendome on points. Perfect location, was able to be in the heart of much in moments. Next trip though will choose another area to get a different vibe of the city.
Activities: Skip the line tour for Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle - great tour and well worth the time saving of getting to the front quickly. Started with a walking tour of the areas surrounding both and walking through the bird and flower markets. Great day, the view from the top of the towers overlooking Paris were amazing.
We did a bike tour of Versailles - it was amazing. Purchasing supplies for picnic in the market was such a highlight. Biking the grounds of the palace beautiful. Waiting 1.5 hours in line to get inside less fun, and in March the gardens have as yet to be in bloom with any flowers.
Private guide to Montmartre was wonderful - so much information in such a fun way. Started this day at Palais Garnier a 10 minute walk from our hotel - wonderful, we even got to see ballerinas practicing for the night's show. From there a 20 minute walk to Moulin Rouge where we met our guide. Great day with a great meal at the end at Apostles de Pigalle ( tapas and wine ).
Visited museums and wandered around the rest of our time.
The Louvre was overwhelming, so much in fact that we left after a couple of hours. Next time we attempt it will be with a guide, the place is too big, to crowded that we felt lost. We did buy the museum pass and it was worth every penny. You feel like you can pop into museums and see a couple of things and not be tied to getting your monies worth if you bought individual admittance. Plus it gets you to faster lines for entry. I do not think you can spend enough time in Paris without wanting more. Our new plan is every time we travel to start in Paris!
We then flew to Zagreb, picked up a car and drove to Ljubljana. Extremely easy process used Bob Bestor at Gemut for the rental which was arranged with Active car rental. It was very easy driving around Croatia and Slovenia and we got to see amazing views along the way.
Hotel Cubo in Ljubljana was amazing and in a great location to walk to everything. We hired a private guide who took us around his town and showed us the architecture and sights. The next day we hiked a local favorite hill to a restaurant on top and enjoyed the views.
Lake Bled was fun, no more than 2 days if you are not there for a lake vacation are adequate and the hike to the castle and around the lake well worth it. Skocjan Cave was amazing, and Plitvice Lakes so fantastic. We stayed at Plitvice Miric Inn and it was fantastic. We arranged for the dinner and a whole fish was served with an assortment of sides. So fresh I think they must have caught the trout moments before we ate it. We loved Slovenia and driving through the countryside was spectacular. We stopped at bee keeping museums and private aviaries, took lunches in itty bitty towns and hiked to Church of St Primoz for incredible views.
Croatia is stunning. We stayed in Split, Rovinj, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. We had a blast in each town though in hindsight I might have chosen Rovinj for a longer stay and skipped Split or visa versa. Both are old walled cities and while different are also similar. Split has a wonderful square where you can sit in the evening and listen to live music while waiters bring you drinks. We met lovely people doing this. We went to Kyka National Park and spent a beautiful time wandering around the waterfalls. We rented bikes in Rovinj and biked around the area. You can see what an amazing beach scene this would be in the summer. Gorgeous coastal niches that you would throw your towel down and jump into the Adriatic. One day we ferried to Brunji and had a blast in a rented golf cart tooling around the island. Waves were choppy while we on the coast so island hopping was not an option, though on a beautiful day that would have been fun. If you do, try to manage a boat with some shade covering. 6-8 hours in full sun would be daunting. Off season the choppy weather made us unable to get to Korcula on the day we planned. That never entered our thoughts when planning this vacation and it is good to have some back up plans if it were to happen to you. We opted to fly early to Dubrovnik and do a day trip from there to Korcula another day. Loved our day on the island and would highly recommend it to be added to your itinerary. The island of Vis seems to be a local favorite and one I would be very interested in visiting next go round. Dubrovnik was a lot of fun, we ate well and had fun walking the walls. A side trip to Montenegro was interesting and pretty, Not sure if given the chance to reshape this trip if I would add it in or not. Still undecided.
Croatia could easily be your only destination for a 3 week vacation. There is plenty to do and the country is incredibly beautiful.
We ended our trip in Czech Republic and started in Cesky Krumlov. Loved this town, wished we had budgeted an extra day or two here. We stayed at the Hotel Dvorak and it is both lovely and situated right smack in the middle of everything on the river. Mind you this is a small town, with limited car access so middle of everything is kinda easy to do! The theater tour is a must, as is the costumes used in the plays. There are only two theaters like this left in the world and we enjoyed seeing all the inner working of it. We did a private tour with Karolina or Krumlov tours and she was great. We spent part of a day with her learning all about the town, and she had our tickets for the castle and theater waiting for us at our hotel. They both sell out, so good to arrange your tour in advance.
We hired a driver from there to Prague and stopped at Kunta Hora. Great town with lots to see. St Barbara's church was spectacular, the bone museum creepy (in a good? way), lunched in a garden, and shopped in some local stores.
Lastly, we were in Prague. We stayed at the Prague Marriott on points and it is a great location to see everything. We hired a guide for one day of sightseeing, Marek, and he was tops. We hiked the the Bohemian Switzerland ( borders Germany, NW of Prague) and we loved every moment of it. Prague was a great city, easy to get around in and a beautiful sight everywhere you looked. Would love to go back and spend some more time and try and catch a show at the National Theater.
We had a great trip and I want to thank all of you who helped with suggestions. Kja the hotels you suggested were perfect and the toning down of my original plans was advice well heeded. Less places is really more.
We spent 26 days in four countries the end of April into May. I will go over each individually.
Paris, France - Hotel Marriott Vendome on points. Perfect location, was able to be in the heart of much in moments. Next trip though will choose another area to get a different vibe of the city.
Activities: Skip the line tour for Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle - great tour and well worth the time saving of getting to the front quickly. Started with a walking tour of the areas surrounding both and walking through the bird and flower markets. Great day, the view from the top of the towers overlooking Paris were amazing.
We did a bike tour of Versailles - it was amazing. Purchasing supplies for picnic in the market was such a highlight. Biking the grounds of the palace beautiful. Waiting 1.5 hours in line to get inside less fun, and in March the gardens have as yet to be in bloom with any flowers.
Private guide to Montmartre was wonderful - so much information in such a fun way. Started this day at Palais Garnier a 10 minute walk from our hotel - wonderful, we even got to see ballerinas practicing for the night's show. From there a 20 minute walk to Moulin Rouge where we met our guide. Great day with a great meal at the end at Apostles de Pigalle ( tapas and wine ).
Visited museums and wandered around the rest of our time.
The Louvre was overwhelming, so much in fact that we left after a couple of hours. Next time we attempt it will be with a guide, the place is too big, to crowded that we felt lost. We did buy the museum pass and it was worth every penny. You feel like you can pop into museums and see a couple of things and not be tied to getting your monies worth if you bought individual admittance. Plus it gets you to faster lines for entry. I do not think you can spend enough time in Paris without wanting more. Our new plan is every time we travel to start in Paris!
We then flew to Zagreb, picked up a car and drove to Ljubljana. Extremely easy process used Bob Bestor at Gemut for the rental which was arranged with Active car rental. It was very easy driving around Croatia and Slovenia and we got to see amazing views along the way.
Hotel Cubo in Ljubljana was amazing and in a great location to walk to everything. We hired a private guide who took us around his town and showed us the architecture and sights. The next day we hiked a local favorite hill to a restaurant on top and enjoyed the views.
Lake Bled was fun, no more than 2 days if you are not there for a lake vacation are adequate and the hike to the castle and around the lake well worth it. Skocjan Cave was amazing, and Plitvice Lakes so fantastic. We stayed at Plitvice Miric Inn and it was fantastic. We arranged for the dinner and a whole fish was served with an assortment of sides. So fresh I think they must have caught the trout moments before we ate it. We loved Slovenia and driving through the countryside was spectacular. We stopped at bee keeping museums and private aviaries, took lunches in itty bitty towns and hiked to Church of St Primoz for incredible views.
Croatia is stunning. We stayed in Split, Rovinj, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. We had a blast in each town though in hindsight I might have chosen Rovinj for a longer stay and skipped Split or visa versa. Both are old walled cities and while different are also similar. Split has a wonderful square where you can sit in the evening and listen to live music while waiters bring you drinks. We met lovely people doing this. We went to Kyka National Park and spent a beautiful time wandering around the waterfalls. We rented bikes in Rovinj and biked around the area. You can see what an amazing beach scene this would be in the summer. Gorgeous coastal niches that you would throw your towel down and jump into the Adriatic. One day we ferried to Brunji and had a blast in a rented golf cart tooling around the island. Waves were choppy while we on the coast so island hopping was not an option, though on a beautiful day that would have been fun. If you do, try to manage a boat with some shade covering. 6-8 hours in full sun would be daunting. Off season the choppy weather made us unable to get to Korcula on the day we planned. That never entered our thoughts when planning this vacation and it is good to have some back up plans if it were to happen to you. We opted to fly early to Dubrovnik and do a day trip from there to Korcula another day. Loved our day on the island and would highly recommend it to be added to your itinerary. The island of Vis seems to be a local favorite and one I would be very interested in visiting next go round. Dubrovnik was a lot of fun, we ate well and had fun walking the walls. A side trip to Montenegro was interesting and pretty, Not sure if given the chance to reshape this trip if I would add it in or not. Still undecided.
Croatia could easily be your only destination for a 3 week vacation. There is plenty to do and the country is incredibly beautiful.
We ended our trip in Czech Republic and started in Cesky Krumlov. Loved this town, wished we had budgeted an extra day or two here. We stayed at the Hotel Dvorak and it is both lovely and situated right smack in the middle of everything on the river. Mind you this is a small town, with limited car access so middle of everything is kinda easy to do! The theater tour is a must, as is the costumes used in the plays. There are only two theaters like this left in the world and we enjoyed seeing all the inner working of it. We did a private tour with Karolina or Krumlov tours and she was great. We spent part of a day with her learning all about the town, and she had our tickets for the castle and theater waiting for us at our hotel. They both sell out, so good to arrange your tour in advance.
We hired a driver from there to Prague and stopped at Kunta Hora. Great town with lots to see. St Barbara's church was spectacular, the bone museum creepy (in a good? way), lunched in a garden, and shopped in some local stores.
Lastly, we were in Prague. We stayed at the Prague Marriott on points and it is a great location to see everything. We hired a guide for one day of sightseeing, Marek, and he was tops. We hiked the the Bohemian Switzerland ( borders Germany, NW of Prague) and we loved every moment of it. Prague was a great city, easy to get around in and a beautiful sight everywhere you looked. Would love to go back and spend some more time and try and catch a show at the National Theater.
We had a great trip and I want to thank all of you who helped with suggestions. Kja the hotels you suggested were perfect and the toning down of my original plans was advice well heeded. Less places is really more.
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May 8th, 2017 07:32 AM
