Croatia & Slovenia - June 2003
Trip Highlights:
Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Known as the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is perhaps the most
perfectly preserved medieval town in the world and is a definite
highlight of any trip to Croatia. You will find yourself completely
spellbound by the meandering streets of the old city and the
many beautiful islands that dot the shoreline. Surrounded by thick
stone ramparts built between the 11th and 17th centuries, and
still completely pedestrianised, the steep cobbled streets,
churches, monasteries and red tiled houses of the old city have
remained unchanged for centuries. You can relax at one of the
many cafés, take a boat cruise out to the nearby islands and
wander through the olive groves, pine forests or lemon orchards,
or walk around the old walls with fabulous views over the sea
and the old city.

Korčula (Croatia)

The town of Korčula at the north-eastern tip of the island hugs a
small, hilly peninsula jutting into the Adriatic. With its round
defensive towers and compact cluster of red roofed houses,
Korcula is a typical medieval Dalmation town. It’s a peaceful little
place with grey stone houses nestling between the deep green
hills and gunmetal-blue sea.

Pula (Croatia)

The city contains a wealth of Roman ruins topped by a
remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre which is now the centre
of Pula’s lively summer cultural scene.

Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)

Situated in a basin and ringed by high mountains, the glacial
Bohinj Lake boasts one of the most spectacular settings
anywhere in Slovenia – a country renowned for its superb and
unspoilt scenery. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Vogel for
magnificent views back over the lake and the Julian Alps.

Skocjan Caves (Slovenia)

This cave complex has developed over the last two million years
and is incredible to explore. 5km long and 250m deep, the caves
were carved out by the Reka River, which originates in the
foothills of Sneznik (1796) to the south-east. The karst caves at
Scocjan are far more captivating and ‘real’ than the larger one at
Postojna, some 33km to the north-east in Postojna province.

Ljubljana (Slovenia)

There can be few more enchanting towns in Eastern Europe than
Ljubljana. The population is only just over a quarter of a million
people, the town is small enough to explore entirely on foot and it
is ringed by mountains with fresh clean air. Spend your time
relaxing in one of the many street cafes, watching the world go by
and enjoying the sunshine; explore the rambling medieval streets
of the old city with its cobblestone passages, hidden courtyards
and Baroque fountains; climb up the hill to the castle with
stunning views over the red roofs of the old city and the
mountains beyond or wander along the banks of the Ljubljanica
river with its peaceful paths and lovely medieval bridges. In the
evenings the streets come alive with bars and open air cafes,
making this a great place for us to start and finish our trip.

Zagreb (Croatia)

Croatia’s capital is a major city which has grown out of two
medieval settlements that for centuries developed on
neighbouring hills, the remains of which can still be seen. Many
of the streets are lined with elegant 19th century architecture,
and there is an imposing cathedral. There are numerous
museums – archaeological, historical, artistic and scientific – and
several art galleries and theatres, which offer a good insight into
Croatian culture. The historical part of the city lies around Kaptol,
a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums,
galleries and government buildings. The old town's streets and
squares are easily reached on foot, starting from Jelacic Square,
the central part and the heart of Zagreb. There is also a funicular
railway from Tomiceva Street. Tkalciceva Ulica is a winding
street in the old town lined with cafés and is a popular place for
people-watching.