DESTINATIONS EUROPE
✈
For history
and culture
It’s hard to avoid history in Croatia –
the country sells itself as the
Mediterranean as it used to be.
Despite the march of mass-market
tourism, the cities, towns and
villages retain their authentic feel
and traditional look.
The country’s capital Zagreb
is an elegant place with world-class
museums and stylish hotels suited
to well-heeled clients looking for an
alternative to more run-of-the-mill
city break options. The iconic old
walled city of Dubrovnik is a piece of
living history and Split is full of 8th
century churches and Roman
remains like Diocletian’s Palace.
Istria has a strong Roman infl uence
too, with the colosseum at Pula and
the picture-perfect streets of Rovinj.
For peace and quiet
The Dalmatian Coast around Split,
Makarska and Dubrovnik pulls in
the tourists, but the Istrian and
Kvarner rivieras further north are
much quieter. They abound with
historic towns reeking of Roman
infl uence, lush green surroundings
and beaches free from crowds.
There are many picturesque castles
to visit in the area surrounding
Zagreb, and the Slavonica region to
the east of the city is home to nearly
300 species of birds in the Kopacki
Rit nature park.
Further south, serenity can be
found on the Elaphiti islands or in
one of the small towns south of
Dubrovnik. The tranquillity of a villa
is perfect for those desiring privacy,
and there’s a large choice, most with
private pools. Holiday Options,
Thomson, Inghams and
Abercrombie and Kent all off er
villas options.
For diversity
For those who really like to ‘do’ a
destination thoroughly, there are
plenty of operators who off er tours
taking in the highlights of the
country.
Regent Holidays and Inghams
both off er seven-night coach tours
with almost identical itineraries,
visiting Dubrovnik, Osijek, Zagreb,
Zadar, Split and the Plitvice National
Park, and Shearings and Insight
Vacations off er similar packages.
If clients prefer a less hectic pace,
suggest a cruise down the
Dalmatian Coast. These tend to start
either in Split or Dubrovnik, hopping
between islands such as Hvar,
Korcula and the Elaphiti group.
FACTS
There are 1,185
islands, solitary
rocks and reefs
in Croatia, 47 of
which are
inhabited. The
largest islands
are Cres and Krk
SAMPLE PRODUCT
Holiday Options off ers seven
nights’ half-board at the four-star
Hotel Meteor in Makarska for £499
per person (£234 per child) twinshare.
The price is for departures
between May 1 and May 22 and
includes fl ights and transfers.
(0844 477 9999
8 holidayoptions.co.uk
Regent, Explore and Thomas Cook
off er seven-night programmes.
Croatian roads are picturesque,
following the winding coastline or
cutting through mountain passes,
passing vineyards or historic towns,
so a self-drive package is a great
option for those who like to go it
alone. Regent’s 10-day itinerary
begins in Split, visits Hvar island,
the Plitvice and Krka National
Parks and the historic towns of
Pula and Zadar.
Twin-centre options are perfect
for those who would like some
variation but don’t want to be
constantly on the move. Balkan
Holidays and Cosmos both twin the
unspoilt, beach-heavy island of
Korcula with historic Dubrovnik. TW
Above: Makarska
is a popular
beach resort.
Top left: Many
operators off er
white-water
rafting and
other activities
in Croatia.
Bottom left:
The colosseum
at Pula
Shearings off ers a nine-day
coach tour of the Istrian Peninsula
with two nights’ overnight travel
from £459, including free drinks
every evening from 7pm-10pm,
departing in October and
November.
(01924 823 449
8 shearingsagent.com
58 | Travel Weekly | March 6 2009 www.travelweekly.co.uk
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