ITINERARY
Here you can find where I'll be going, when I'll be there, and what I'll be doing
SAIL
On the Boat
*quoted info. came directly from the EF Ultimate Break “Trip Details” page*
Day 1
Travel Day
Most of today will be spent in airports making our way to Croatia.
Day 2
Dubrovnik
“Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's top vacation destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In just one look, you'll see why George Bernard Shaw described it as "Heaven on Earth".
‘Game of Thrones tours run aplenty in Dubrovnik, whether self-guided or locally led. See where crews filmed King's Landing, the Purple Wedding, the House of the Undying, the walk of shame-shame-shame, and many more notable sights.”
Day 3
Montenegro
“While Croatia may take up most of the Adriatic coast, Montenegro is all about quality over quantity. This country’s little bit of coast is nothing but gorgeous mountains, nice beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty. Hop the border into this Balkan country and visit Budva, the quintessential must-visit Montenegro city. Nicknamed “the Miami of Montenegro” (which should tell you everything you need to know) it has some of the best bars, beaches, and clubs you could ever want. Afterwards visit Kotor, the ancient town surrounded by mountains, and a hidden gem you’ll want to uncover.”
Day 4
Šipan
“After a morning in Dubrovnik, your Croatian cruise begins! For the rest of the trip, you'll have evenings to explore the various port cities, and will return to the boat to sleep in your cabins. Your first stop: Šipan (shee-pan), a quaint island known for its olive groves, vineyards, and fig trees. After the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik, Šipan will be like a fresh breath off the beaten path.”
Day 5
Korcula
“Korčula (KOR-choo-la) [is] a historic, fortified town with architecture spanning all the way back to the 13th century. But first, make a scenic stop at Mljet National Park for some quality time with Mother Nature.
‘Korčula is rumored to be the birthplace of the legendary world traveler. Though not confirmed, you can visit what is believed to be his birth home. But please, keep your voice down. Shouting "Marco Polo" won’t make him appear.
‘Two of Croatia's most popular wines are grown on this island: Grk and Posip. Pair either with fresh fish or muscles for the perfect Mediterranean meal.”
Day 6
Vis
“Wanna see some magic? En route to Vis, you'll cruise to the tiny Biševo Island, home to the Blue Cave. Accessible only by boat, the cave's brilliant blue shimmer results from sunbeams entering from underneath the surface.”
Day 7
Hvar
“Hvar is all the buzz in Croatia (and just, Europe in general), due to the epic nightlife, Renaissance-era architecture, theaters, restaurants, and endless other activities fit for paradise. It's big, it's loud, it's beautiful, and it's guaranteed to show you a good time.
‘When summer rolls around, Hvar comes alive like nowhere else. You'll have a plethora of palatable options for places to eat, drink, dance, catch live music, and visit art festivals—all after it gets dark.”
Day 8
Makarska
“One of the most unique natural phenomena of this region can be found on the island of Brač: Zlitni rat (Golden Horn) beach. The aptly named beach is shaped like...wait for it...a golden horn! Stretching into the Adriatic and offering plenty of beach real estate, this will be your stop en route to Makarska.”
Day 9
Omiš
“The voyage continues with a trip to Pučišca, a town known for the quarry that Romans began mining over 2,000 years ago. The famous Brač limestone has been used to construct ancient Roman palaces, European parliament buildings, and even our very own U.S. White House.”
Day 10
Cruise to Split + Farewell Dinner
“We've saved the best for last. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and, at over 1,700 years old, one of the oldest in the region. The area is so nice that Roman emperor Diocletian built a palace there to be his retirement home.
‘While most Roman emperors required a swift stabbing or bucket-kicking to leave the throne, Diocletian was the first emperor to voluntarily say "boy, bye." After reforming a near-collapsed Roman Empire, he headed home for a comfy retirement on the Dalmatian Coast. The palace left behind is gorgeous and haunting, revealing centuries-long history of the area. Roam the grounds or climb the bell tower for a birds-eye view of the city below.”
SEE
Exploring Inland
EF Tour ends here, but I will continue my blog posts while my travel buddy and I continue our way up the coast to Zadar and inland to visit the national Parks.
*quoted info. came from the respective national park/landmark websites*
Day 11
Krka National Park & Zadar Sea Organ
“Krka National Park lies within Šibenik-Knin County, and covers a total area of 109 km² of the loveliest sections of the Krka River, and the lower course of the Čikola River.
‘The national park is a vast and primarily unaltered area of exceptional natural value, including one or more preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. The purpose of the park is primarily to serve science, culture, education and recreation, while tourism activities have also been introduced for its visitors.”
Day 11
Krka National Park & Zadar Sea Organ
“The organ looks like a series of broad steps leading down into the water, but there's actually very clever engineering hiding under the surface.The lower steps allow water and air to flow in. That water and air is then funneled into resonant chambers under the steps, and pushed out through the channels on the upper stairs, seen here. These cause the undulating, chime-like notes to be produced. Because the sea is always shifting and changing, the sea organ never sounds exactly the same twice. Each sound you hear is Space in Barcelona for his Zadar Sea Organ project, as the best among 207 candidate projects from across Europe.completely unique. In 2006 Croatian architect Nikola Bašić received the European Prize for Urban Public.”
Day 12
Plitvice Lakes National Park
“Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. The park is situated in the mountainous region of Croatia, between the Mala Kapela mountain range in the west and northwest, and the Lička Plješivica mountain range to the southeast. Plitvice Lakes were internationally recognised on 26 October 1979 with their inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1997, the boundaries of the national park were expanded, and today it covers an area just under 300 km2.”
Day 13
Travel Day
Today marks the end of my trip in Croatia as we make our way back home to the States.