Croatia is one of the new 'Must See' destinations. Rich
in history,art, culture, architecture, wine and gourmet cuisines Croatia
has everything the most savvy of traveler would want.
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has
long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe the 'New
Riviera'. The booming tourist industry that was interrupted by war in the
early 1990s has swept back in force, and visitors are flocking to its string
of coastal and island resorts.
Officially called the 'Republic of Croatia' this 'Pearl'
on the Adriatic Sea sits at the crossroads of Central Europe and shares
boarders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, Bosnia
And Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the south as well as a sea boarder with
Italy to the west.
Many major cruise lines that offer Mediterranean Cruises
visit the City of Dubrovnik on the southern tip of Croatia as either an
embarkation port or a port of call. It is suggested that you make the most
of your time in this Ancient city that has been sitting on the Dalmatian
coast for some 1,300 years. This historic port was named a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1979; extensive restoration efforts began shortly after
the Serbian war. Visit sites such as the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries,
Rector's Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral. Marbled paved squares and fountains
are just a few of the many antiquities that remain as they were years ago.
Surrounded by 10th Century walls Dubrovnik is a must
see for the historian and art lover alike. Dubrovnik is one of the most
beautiful towns in Europe. It has everything; a magnificent natural setting,
an old town unspoiled by development, and a lively cultural life, but, perhaps
more than anything it has a mystique that not even Venice can rival.
Whether traveling by sea or touring Croatia, you are
guaranteed spectacular scenery, and breathtaking views. The translucent
Adriatic and picturesque towns are surrounded by more than a thousand islands
anchored offshore. Most of these islands are uninhabited that makes them
ideal for those who prefer to be away from the crowds. The most popular
being Hvar (pronounced hwahr) that has a long and fascinating history itself.
So much to see and do in Croatia. If you choose a cruise
you may want to schedule a pre (or post) stay in Dubrovnik. Traveling with
a tour company will give you a more in-depth look at the scenery. More and
more travel companies are offering tours that include more of Croatia. Globus
Vacations for example offers a reasonably priced tour that includes Italy
and Croatia with visits to Rome, Florence, Venice, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik,
Plitvice National Park, and Zagreb (capitol city). Cruise ships such as
Orient Lines 'Marco Polo' (incidently Marco Polo was born on the Croate
Island of Kublic) offers an itinerary that includes ports of call in three
Croatian ports along the Dalmation Coast.
This 'must see' country offers so much in its splendor
you may want to make it part of your next trip to Europe. You will not be
disappointed.
