February 22nd 2007
The schedule for catamarans between Venice and Croatia now includes the entire offering of Venezia Lines for 2007. Unfortunately, there are fewer destinations this year. Last year’s routes to Opatija and Umag have been eliminated but remaining are passenger ferries to Piran, Porec, Rovinj, Pula, Rabac and Mali Losinj. Service begins in April and ends in October for Rovinj, the most popular route, but other routes are summer only.
February 16th 2007
The marble streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town don’t quiet down at night as local bar crawlers move restlessly from one venue to another. Their infatuation with drinking like the Irish do continues. Yet another Irish pub has opened trying to rival the success of boisterous Karaka. “Katie O’Connors” has replaced the Cervantes Tapas Bar (that was never very Spanish) and serves Guiness and Ale to a slightly older, calmer crowd. That is, except for nights of the Big Match when the giant plasma screen attracts local and foreign fans.
February 15th 2007
The 220 million euro development will be the largest wellness center in Croatia when finished. The Austrian Falkensteiner group is financing the construction of a 460,000 sq metre complex in Punta Skala, near Zadar, that will contain one five-star hotel with 210 rooms and suites and one four-star hotel with 252 suites not to mention pools and saunas in each. Nearby will be 28 Dalmatian-style villas. Plus there will be a marina and a golf course. WOW. The first phase will be completed in 2008. No word yet on when it will all be done.
February 13th 2007
Good news for travellers “doing” the Balkans this summer. As of April 6, there will be a night train from Sarajevo to Zagreb. Day trains have been in operation for years but the advantage of night trains is that you don’t lose a day’s travel time in getting from one place to another. Of course train buffs (and I’m one of them) will claim that at least half the pleasure is getting there. Maybe. But it’s nice to have a choice. See more on getting to Zagreb and trains to Croatia.
February 7th 2007
Rumors have been flying for months but now it’s official. Low-cost carrier Ryanair is launching a new route from London (Stansted) to Zadar beginning April 23. The flights leave London at 17.10pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 5.10pm arriving in Zadar 3 1/2 hours later. Flights from Zadar to London leave Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9pm. This is going to be a big boon to one of my favorite cities in Dalmatia. Continue Reading »
February 5th 2007
Dubrovnik has a long history of good governance (see more on Dubrovnik history) that continues to this day. Small surprise that Dubrovnik’s mayor, Dubravka Suica, has been proclaimed one of the top ten most successful mayors in the world, according to the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.
