T-Gal, mela lu & others...going to Croatia & Italy!

[blushingbride]

So, we finally have our big vacation planned this summer. We will be traveing in July so, we know we''ll be catching the summer festavil in Dubrovnik, but we are also traveling to Spilt, Montenagro as well as Rome and Milan.

Keep in mind my DH was born and raised in Dubrovnik (came to the US over 10 years ago) however, since this is the first time he''s going back to Dubrovnik since the war, he knows that some things have obviously changed which is why we need the advice!

Also, my sister and her hubby are traveling with us too and her DH has been to Rome several times so, I think we''ll be OK there, but any advice or suggestions for Milan, Split, Montenagro and Dubrovnik would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Deelight]

When is the summer festival I know we will be in and around that area (or next door ) around that time

The last time I was in Dubrovnik I was 10 (a long time ago) and this was before the war and before it became touristy it was really beautiful though, I really hope we can go.

Micheal Paton''s Europe did a special on Croatia and Serbia a couple of weeks ago here but it was a nice look at the cities in and around might be helpful to give you a visual aid

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/22/2008 5:42:24 PM
Author: Deelight
When is the summer festival I know we will be in and around that area (or next door ) around that time

The last time I was in Dubrovnik I was 10 (a long time ago) and this was before the war and before it became touristy it was really beautiful though, I really hope we can go.

Micheal Paton''s Europe did a special on Croatia and Serbia a couple of weeks ago here but it was a nice look at the cities in and around might be helpful to give you a visual aid

The summer festival starts on July 10th and runs until August 25th. According to my DH, they have outdoor and indoor concerts, plays, dancing, etc. and performers come from around the world to take part in it. Where will you be traveling to?

 

[Deelight]

Sounds like a hoot, I definitely will have to put that on my to-see list We still need to book but we will be doing a tour of (well partial tour) of Europe and NY

 

[Delster]

Is your itinerary set? I'm just thinking if you're in Split it might be worth taking a couple of days to go to Hvar, it's so beautiful!

I'm very jealous that you're getting to go to Dubrovnik, I've heard wonderful things about it. It will be such an emotional trip for your husband, you must both be very excited.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/24/2008 7:47:52 AM
Author: Delster
Is your itinerary set? I''m just thinking if you''re in Split it might be worth taking a couple of days to go to Hvar, it''s so beautiful!

I''m very jealous that you''re getting to go to Dubrovnik, I''ve heard wonderful things about it. It will be such an emotional trip for your husband, you must both be very excited.

We were going back and forth on whether to spend two days in Split or just one so, maybe we could do one night in Split and the other in Hvar. It will be emotional for him, but I''m so excited for him too. He''s been back to Montenagro since the war, but not Dubrovnik. It will be so much fun!

I wish T-Gal would chime in about her thougts on Croatia - I feel like she''s the expert in this forum!

 

[Pandora II]

I spent a couple of weeks in Croatia two years ago.

Our favourite places were Split and Korcula.

Not sure I can give any advice - it''s a very easy country to visit...

 

[Rhea]

I second Hvar! And Split.

It''s been a few years since I''ve been to Italy and never to Milan so no recommendation there.

You''ll have so much fun though!

 

[TravelingGal]

Sorry I''m late on this one. Amelia keeps me occupied these days!

Hvar Hvar Hvar! I love that place. Hvar town is gorgeous but as you know, I have a soft spot for Starigrad. It''s worth it to just rent a scooter and putter around the island...such gorgeous views and fun to see the other small towns. Of course, if you go to Starigrad, you must seek out Inge for me (everyone knows her there, just ask for her by name...her husband''s name is Bosco).

I actually don''t have too much to recommend...your hubby will be the expert! Just check out the market in Split...buy some roast chicken and have a picnic by the water. The best thing is just to walk, explore and picnic.

In Dubrovnik, you would have to do the wall, of course. And if you feel up to it, climb up to the cross (there is a dirt road you can hike up that zig zags back and forth...a workout but not crazy over the top or anything) The view up there of the old town is stunning. Bring some beer and treats and just hang out up there and enjoy the view...here''s the view on the day we hiked...

 

[TravelingGal]

by the way, you can day trip to Cavtat...a cute little place to visit from Dubrovnik. Just take the bus. I''ll see if I can''t find some photos of Cavtat, but look it up...

In the meantime, the wiki article on Cavtat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavtat

 

[TravelingGal]

The pic from the Wiki article of Cavtat harbor. We hiked the rocks and found a solitary spot to hang out. I gotta see if I can dig up those photos...

 

[TravelingGal]

OK, here are those rocks I was talking about...just find a spot, lay out and enjoy the sun. The rocks are so nice and warm...ahhh...

 

[TravelingGal]

Like I said, totally got a rent-a-scooter (as you can, it actually SAYS that on the scooter. Makes you an obvious tourist). I actually don''t know how to ride a scooter...this was just for looks.

I think in Hvar they are less strict about having a motorcycle license to rent one. We were staying at the Ferrymaster''s house (if you go, you''ll also have to ask for Ante and Vivijana), so they hooked us up, as we were the only tourists on the island in the off season and there were no scooter rentals to be found!) In Italy, we definitely had to have a motorcycle license (TGuy was a motorcyclist, so we were cool)

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/24/2008 4:56:39 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Sorry I''m late on this one. Amelia keeps me occupied these days!

Hvar Hvar Hvar! I love that place. Hvar town is gorgeous but as you know, I have a soft spot for Starigrad. It''s worth it to just rent a scooter and putter around the island...such gorgeous views and fun to see the other small towns. Of course, if you go to Starigrad, you must seek out Inge for me (everyone knows her there, just ask for her by name...her husband''s name is Bosco).

I actually don''t have too much to recommend...your hubby will be the expert! Just check out the market in Split...buy some roast chicken and have a picnic by the water. The best thing is just to walk, explore and picnic.

In Dubrovnik, you would have to do the wall, of course. And if you feel up to it, climb up to the cross (there is a dirt road you can hike up that zig zags back and forth...a workout but not crazy over the top or anything) The view up there of the old town is stunning. Bring some beer and treats and just hang out up there and enjoy the view...here''s the view on the day we hiked...

OMG - that view of old town is breathtaking!

Thank you so much for sharing these!! I definitely want to climb up to cross - is it something that my 60 year old parents can do (they are also traveling with us)? You said it wasn''t anything crazy so, I''m curious...

I am writing this all down to discuss with DH - I appreciate your recommendations (I know you have your hands full with little Ameilia who is precious by the way)!

 

[blushingbride]

Beautiful! I feel like I''m really there looking these ...great shots!!!

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:13:43 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Like I said, totally got a rent-a-scooter (as you can, it actually SAYS that on the scooter. Makes you an obvious tourist). I actually don''t know how to ride a scooter...this was just for looks.

I think in Hvar they are less strict about having a motorcycle license to rent one. We were staying at the Ferrymaster''s house (if you go, you''ll also have to ask for Ante and Vivijana), so they hooked us up, as we were the only tourists on the island in the off season and there were no scooter rentals to be found!) In Italy, we definitely had to have a motorcycle license (TGuy was a motorcyclist, so we were cool)

Which side of the road do they ride on in Croatia?

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:13:59 PM
Author: blushingbride
OMG - that view of old town is breathtaking!

Thank you so much for sharing these!! I definitely want to climb up to cross - is it something that my 60 year old parents can do (they are also traveling with us)? You said it wasn''t anything crazy so, I''m curious...

I am writing this all down to discuss with DH - I appreciate your recommendations (I know you have your hands full with little Ameilia who is precious by the way)!

If they are in good shape, yes, they can. If I recall correctly...the first leg is a bit steep but then you have switchbacks. Ask someone before you start to be sure. I don''t remember it being that bad...we had definitely done some worse hikes!

BTW, speaking of needing to be in shape...

In Dubrovnik, are you staying with rellies? If not, stay in the old town. I lost 10 pounds during my stay in Croatia, and I think part of it was in Dubrovnik we stayed a 20 minute walk outside of the old town. The problem is there are a TON OF STAIRS!!! I mean lots. And steep ones. Some nights after partying, I swear I thought I was going to pass out on the hike home.

I love Dubrovnik...Croatia and Ireland are just my two fav places in the world!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:17:02 PM
Author: blushingbride

Date: 4/24/2008 5:13:43 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Like I said, totally got a rent-a-scooter (as you can, it actually SAYS that on the scooter. Makes you an obvious tourist). I actually don''t know how to ride a scooter...this was just for looks.

I think in Hvar they are less strict about having a motorcycle license to rent one. We were staying at the Ferrymaster''s house (if you go, you''ll also have to ask for Ante and Vivijana), so they hooked us up, as we were the only tourists on the island in the off season and there were no scooter rentals to be found!) In Italy, we definitely had to have a motorcycle license (TGuy was a motorcyclist, so we were cool)

Which side of the road do they ride on in Croatia?

The right side...same as the U.S.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:20:08 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 4/24/2008 5:13:59 PM
Author: blushingbride
OMG - that view of old town is breathtaking!

Thank you so much for sharing these!! I definitely want to climb up to cross - is it something that my 60 year old parents can do (they are also traveling with us)? You said it wasn't anything crazy so, I'm curious...

I am writing this all down to discuss with DH - I appreciate your recommendations (I know you have your hands full with little Ameilia who is precious by the way)!

If they are in good shape, yes, they can. If I recall correctly...the first leg is a bit steep but then you have switchbacks. Ask someone before you start to be sure. I don't remember it being that bad...we had definitely done some worse hikes!

BTW, speaking of needing to be in shape...

In Dubrovnik, are you staying with rellies? If not, stay in the old town. I lost 10 pounds during my stay in Croatia, and I think part of it was in Dubrovnik we stayed a 20 minute walk outside of the old town. The problem is there are a TON OF STAIRS!!! I mean lots. And steep ones. Some nights after partying, I swear I thought I was going to pass out on the hike home.

I love Dubrovnik...Croatia and Ireland are just my two fav places in the world!

Thanks for the tip! We'll look into it more once we're there. Even if we have to seperate and do it ourselves it'll be fine.

We are staying in a villa just outside of Old Town - on of DH's friends hooked us up. He did mention there would be a lot of walking though regardless and lots of steps too! I know our villa is on a hill and from the pics, looks pretty steep. Well, there's no harm in losing a few pounds - I'll probably need it after eating and drinking in Italy beforehand!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:25:12 PM
Author: blushingbride

Date: 4/24/2008 5:20:08 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 4/24/2008 5:13:59 PM
Author: blushingbride
OMG - that view of old town is breathtaking!

Thank you so much for sharing these!! I definitely want to climb up to cross - is it something that my 60 year old parents can do (they are also traveling with us)? You said it wasn''t anything crazy so, I''m curious...

I am writing this all down to discuss with DH - I appreciate your recommendations (I know you have your hands full with little Ameilia who is precious by the way)!

If they are in good shape, yes, they can. If I recall correctly...the first leg is a bit steep but then you have switchbacks. Ask someone before you start to be sure. I don''t remember it being that bad...we had definitely done some worse hikes!

BTW, speaking of needing to be in shape...

In Dubrovnik, are you staying with rellies? If not, stay in the old town. I lost 10 pounds during my stay in Croatia, and I think part of it was in Dubrovnik we stayed a 20 minute walk outside of the old town. The problem is there are a TON OF STAIRS!!! I mean lots. And steep ones. Some nights after partying, I swear I thought I was going to pass out on the hike home.

I love Dubrovnik...Croatia and Ireland are just my two fav places in the world!

Thanks for the tip! We''ll look into it more once we''re there. Even if we have to seperate and do it ourselves it''ll be fine.

We are staying in a villa just outside of Old Town - on of DH''s friends hooked us up. He did mention there would be a lot of walking though regardless and lots of steps too! I know our villa is on a hill and from the pics, looks pretty steep. Well, there''s no harm in losing a few pounds - I''ll probably need it after eating and drinking in Italy beforehand!

Ha...you say that now, but let me tell you...these steps are a ripper. Oh my god...I still sweat thinking about them. Or maybe it was because I was inebriated it was so scary. I may have wanted to puke a few times...can''t remember. The ones I am talking about are at the top of old town going down. And even IN town there are steps. Dozens and bloody dozens of them................

Just remember them when you attempt to buy groceries or do shopping in town and want to take it back to your villa.............

 

[blushingbride]

Yikes - you don't paint a pretty picture!

Well, at least I was warned...heavily!

I would think that getting sloshed would make you forget all about those darn steps. Maybe I'll have to remain sober during this leg of the trip!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:37:54 PM
Author: blushingbride
Yikes - you don''t paint a pretty picture!

Well, at least I was warned...heavily!

I would think that getting sloshed would make you forget all about those darn steps. Maybe I''ll have to remain sober during this leg of the trip!

Yeah, don''t say I didn''t warn you about Dubarfnik.

(Actually, it really isn''t too bad. Just that some nights I was so exhausted and didn''t care to hike the 20 minutes back to our sobe).

 

[blushingbride]

Yeah, I don''t blame you for not wanting to walk back. One of the other villas we were offered was 20 min. outside of Old Town and although it was cheaper, we felt that paying the extra $ would save us some hassle going to and from. You and TGuy were troopers!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:46:41 PM
Author: blushingbride
Yeah, I don''t blame you for not wanting to walk back. One of the other villas we were offered was 20 min. outside of Old Town and although it was cheaper, we felt that paying the extra $ would save us some hassle going to and from. You and TGuy were troopers!

Well, we didn''t book a place. By that time in our travels, we were just flying by the seat of our pants....hopping ferries and seeing who would offer us a place when we docked. We just accepted something that was reasonably priced and clean...we were backpackers after all.

TGuy actually cramped my style a bit...I had a much bigger budget but since he had his pride and wanted to pay half, I had to stick with his price range. I did treat him to some posh dinners though...I was his sugga momma.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:50:29 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 4/24/2008 5:46:41 PM
Author: blushingbride
Yeah, I don''t blame you for not wanting to walk back. One of the other villas we were offered was 20 min. outside of Old Town and although it was cheaper, we felt that paying the extra $ would save us some hassle going to and from. You and TGuy were troopers!

Well, we didn''t book a place. By that time in our travels, we were just flying by the seat of our pants....hopping ferries and seeing who would offer us a place when we docked. We just accepted something that was reasonably priced and clean...we were backpackers after all.

TGuy actually cramped my style a bit...I had a much bigger budget but since he had his pride and wanted to pay half, I had to stick with his price range. I did treat him to some posh dinners though...I was his sugga momma.

LOL...TGuy must have been love''n life on that trip!

See...now I would love to do something like that. Just going wherever life takes you...very cool.

I doubt, however, my parents would want to travel like that.

So, we''ll have to save that experience for another time I guess. The good thing is that we plan to head back every other year (mainly to see his fam) so, we''ll see how that goes.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 4/24/2008 5:59:02 PM
Author: blushingbride

Date: 4/24/2008 5:50:29 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 4/24/2008 5:46:41 PM
Author: blushingbride
Yeah, I don''t blame you for not wanting to walk back. One of the other villas we were offered was 20 min. outside of Old Town and although it was cheaper, we felt that paying the extra $ would save us some hassle going to and from. You and TGuy were troopers!

Well, we didn''t book a place. By that time in our travels, we were just flying by the seat of our pants....hopping ferries and seeing who would offer us a place when we docked. We just accepted something that was reasonably priced and clean...we were backpackers after all.

TGuy actually cramped my style a bit...I had a much bigger budget but since he had his pride and wanted to pay half, I had to stick with his price range. I did treat him to some posh dinners though...I was his sugga momma.

LOL...TGuy must have been love''n life on that trip!

See...now I would love to do something like that. Just going wherever life takes you...very cool.

I doubt, however, my parents would want to travel like that.

So, we''ll have to save that experience for another time I guess. The good thing is that we plan to head back every other year (mainly to see his fam) so, we''ll see how that goes.

There''s a reason he stuck around long enough to fall in love with me! He was on bread and cheese until he hooked up with moi....

I''m jealous you get to go back every other year. We do the same for Oz, and while I love it there, it''s just...not Croatia.

 

[blushingbride]

LOL...

Well, I would love to go to Oz too - definitely on my list of places to go in my lifetime.

I spoke to DH last night about some of the things you mentioned in your posts and he said the cross a top the hill in Dubrovnik wasn''t there until after the war so, it''s something he never got to see either. We are 100% adding it our list of to-do''s!