Croatia
Not just a cruise stop on the Adriatic, but a beautiful country throughout.
Plitvice Lakes
the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia
Dubrovnik
Do you still want to get your Game of Thrones fix?
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes area of Croatia...something I have always wanted to see and it did not disappoint! More beautiful teal/aqua colored water. The park has trails that you can walk and hike for miles, and miles.
Not just a national park, but also a World Heritage Site. This park of nearly 300 sq kilometers (115 sq miles), has a beautiful system of 12 lakes carved into the tufa, but the lakes are only 1% of the park. So, get put an enjoy the surrounding forest also.
To get to the park, you will most likely want a car. It is about a 2 hour drive south of Zagreb, and 2.5 hours north of Split. However, there are buses that go to the park from both Split and Zagreb, as well as Zadar. There are bus stops near entrance 1 and 2 of the park. You can check the bus schedule here. https://www.akz.hr/
If you are just stopping into the coastal cities of Croatia on a cruise, this might not be a stop for you. But, if you are in northern Croatia, you need to come visit!
Zagreb
The capital of Croatia, in the north of the country just a half hour from the Slovenian border and less than 2 hours from the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. Or, a 4-5 hour drive from Venice, Italy.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Zagreb was the colorful architecture. Throughout old town, you will see buildings especially in yellow, but also other light pastel colors.
The history of the area dates back to the Romans who had a settlement nearby in Ščitarjevo. The proper area of Zagreb has recorded history dating to the 11th century, when it was named Kaptol. A long history follows to 1991 when Croatia got its independence in the Balkan Wars and the break up of Yugoslavia.
Lotrščak Tower
A part of the 13th century fortifications that were completed in 1266. The walls have since been dismantled but the tower remains.
You can climb up here for views of the city. But, not during the time they still use the cannon for a daily blast. If you happen to arrive when it is closed, or don't feel like climbing the steps, the view from the base is nearly as wonderful. Follow up with a walk along the Strossmayer Promenade and Park Grič.
Stone Gate
Medieval stone gate that contains a very popular shrine to the Virgin Mary. Here, you can visit the last remaining gate from the 13th century fortifications. The veneration of Mary here stems from a painting the survived a destructive fire. As you visit, or pass by, please be respectful. This is a shrine and should be treated as such.
King Tomislav Square
open park and a great place to sit and relax and have lunch.
Between the the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Library of Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences. It is not a very touristy area, but it is a beautiful park and easy to get to as it is near the train station.
Cathedral of Zagreb
Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century and restored in the 1990's.
and damaged again in 2020 in an earthquake.
Originally, the existing church here was elevated to cathedral status in 1093. The current cathedral was built in the 13th century, damaged by the Mongols, and rebuilt again. Extensive damage occurred in the earthquake of 1880 when the nave collapsed. Today, the church has been closed to visitors for years for renovations but is open for services.
Colorful homes in Zagreb
One thing I love about the buildings in Zagreb is the various colors throughout the city. I had to stop taking pictures because it felt like I always found even more color at every turn.
Split
Croatia's second largest city, and the largest one on the coast, with a history back to the 4th century.
Diocletian's Palace
huge fortress and palace for the Roman Emperor
Saint Domnius Cathedral
a 4th century cathedral dedicated to the city's patron saint. Climb the bell tower for an amazing view
Jupiter's Temple
small but interesting temple built in the 3rd century
Dubrovnik
Come for The Game of Thrones, and stay for the history.
wander around the city inside the walls, or walk the walls themselves. It is a gorgeous city! Prepare for crowds year round, but in the summer...oh, my!
Inside the walls, you will see a number of highlights like The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and 18th century Baroque church and Sponza Palace, a 16th century palace now serving as an archive, and Onofrio's Fountain, a 15th century ornate fountain.
and, of course, there is a lot of Game of Thrones tourism here.
