Croatia in Four Days

From Santorini we took a Ferry, slept in Pireus, then metro to Athens, train to Kiato, train to Patras, overnight ferry I to Ancona and overnight ferry II to Spalato (Split). Phew! We made it to Croatia in one piece 36 hours later.

In our sleep deprived state, we let ourselves be kidnapped by a local and taken to their house for accommodation in Split. A brief nap had us up and exploring the city with gelati in hand, taking in the gorgeous waterfront area where the old Palace walls are juxtaposed with the hip & modern cafe's and promenade. We had a look through the substructure of the palace wall and then at the cathedral. I climbed to the top of the bell tower to have a great view of the city. We found a fantastic local place to have dinner - Buffet Fife.

Split Waterfront

Got up at 7... or so we thought, the alarm was still on Greek time so we actually awoke at 6. We climbed to the top of the mountain to view back to the harbour and found a quaint church. We then walked around the harbour to the archaeological museum and waited for it to open at 9.30. However, they were doing renovations which meant it was free... but there wasn't much to see. Still interesting. We took it easy and wandered through the harbour markets then found a nice park to daydream in and watch the youths carry on waterfights. Fifes called our stomaches back for a late lunch where we got chatting to a local Croatian. He told us stories about how tourists were destroying the lovely boredom that the locals used to have and that Croatians delight in telling you they don´t like you (if the case may be so).

We took a great overnight train to Zagreb - the best train we have been on in our travels. Lots of free presents. Arriving in Zagreb we took the tram to the hostel - which was right next door to a chocolate factory (yes that did have influence over our decision to stay there). We went in to the city late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the 31 deg C day. We walked around exploring the parks, enjoyed a free traditional music concert, dodged Croatian football fans and explored the botanical gardens, before heading back to the hostel for risotto.

Near Zagreb Train Station

On our second day in Zagreb we went to the archaeological museum, had lunch in the nearby park while listening to another free traditional concert then walked around the upper town area, before heading home in order to pack and rest for our next journey.

Conclusion: Want to return to Croatia!

l
R
x
and Judy