Croatia is situated in the Southeastern part of Europe along the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro and a maritime border with Italy. The country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I, and then became a part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia declared its independence. What …
Visitors to the Croatian capital are often steered in the direction of Zagreb’s historic core. Locally known as Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the old town combines the twin settlements of Gradec and Kaptol and is located just a few minutes from the city’s main street, Illica. It is a throwback to another era, one marked by architectural brilliance and …
I found myself in Graz quite by accident. What was supposed to be a drive-through was transformed into a day trip of sorts. Not being one to pass an opportunity to visit a new city, and given that I was prepared – camera in hand, I decided to see what was on offer. Since I had limited time, I took the easiest option …
Even in a city of architectural splendor, Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace manages to stand out without much effort. Not a surprising fact considering the property, a Habsburg summer palace, was designed to rival Versailles. It was created with the lavish arrogance of a successful empire; designed as a statement, a trophy. It was little wonder that …
On bright Saturdays, or on a lazy Sunday, I like to leave Zagreb behind and explore the countryside beyond the city limits. The surroundings offer a varied selection from natural getaways, small towns and villages, – to castles and historic sites. Depending on my mood, I pick a destination and hit the road. More often than …
It was on an icy, bright June evening that I reached Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. As I got off the ferry, pulling my suitcase behind me, the midnight sun greeted me, as did a row of intriguing colourful old buildings on the other side of the Bergen harbour. I had spent enough time pouring …
A trip to Norway would be incomplete without a ride on the spectacular Flam Railway. This journey, involving two trains and a ferry, unveils the best of Norway’s natural beauty and creative engineering: majestic mountains, lush forests and sparkling fjords all visible from the perch of a twisting and twirling rail line. It was an …
The museum-town of Trogir is located on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Surrounded by a sparkling sea and 2300 years of history, this little town counts itself among the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in Central Europe. Also known as the Stone Beauty, Trogir is situated a mere 20 km from the city of Split, making it a …
My love for Croatia’s Istrian peninsula is well documented, so I thought I’d mix it up a bit this week and introduce you to the other coast – the Dalmatian coast and its most prominent city, Split. Split is the largest city in the region, and is the country’s busiest port. And though it tends …
With its Italian flavour and the sparkling sea, Croatia’s Istrian Coast is a tourist magnet. The true magic of Istria , however, lies inland. Tucked between ripening vineyards and olive farms, you’ll find dainty hilltop towns in a rainbow of pastel shades. One of my favourite stops along this route is the quirky microscopic town …