Dubrovnik, Croatia Travel Guide

Bathed by the shimmering Adriatic reflections, Dubrovnik remains one of the most enduring treasures of Europe. Just like an oyster shell protects the life within, the walls of this Croatian city helped to nurture a maritime republic that rivaled Venice in the past. This city of light and stone has dazzled visitors for many centuries.

Pike Gate

Pile Gate is the grandest of Dubrovnik’s entrances. Once here, climb the ramparts to explore the city’s past. The first walls of Dubrovnik were built in the seventh century but most of the walls standing today were built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries to repel the Ottoman attack. These walls have been shaken by earthquakes and armies. Every stone of these walls tells the story of liberty and resilience. It takes about one or two hours to walk through the old city’s ramparts depending on how often you stop for the scenic views.

Fort Lawrence

Dubrovnik’s citizen value harmony and that sense of unity and order still continue today as travelers circle the Old Town. Stop at Fort Baker to take in the views to Fort Lawrence. In the eleventh century, the locals heard of the Venetian to attack the city by building a base on these rocks. The citizens quickly mobilized to build the first walls of Fort Lawrence. When the Venetian warships arrived with materials and men, they were forced to turn around and sail back home. The sea wall at St. John’s Fort protected the city Harbor from pirates and enemy ships. For centuries, Dubrovnik was one of the greatest seafaring cities in the world and this harbor was home to a fleet of more than 200 trading vessels.

Fort Ravelin

Climb the ramparts to Fort Revelin for commanding views of the harbor. This fortress emerged unscathed after the great earthquake of 1667. Fort Minceta is the highest point in Dubrovnik’s defenses. During its construction, there was a short supply of rock that every of the city’s visitor was required to bring one. One of this city’s most enduring symbols was created in the process.

Onofrio’s Fountain

Refresh yourself at this fountain while enjoying the spring water. Nearby is the St. Saviour’s Church. It is one of the few Renaissance-era buildings that survived the 1667 earthquake.

 

Franciscan Monastery

Explore the historical exhibits at Franciscan Monastery and order an elixir from one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in the world. It is not just a spiritual, the monastery also served as a pharmacy to the residents during the war.

Luza Square

Here you will find some of the city’s finest architectural treasures such as St. Blaise Church and Spinola Palace.

Although the cruise ships have replaced the trading vessels of old, many things which make Dubrovnik special still have not changed. The sparkling waters, the spirit of independence, and the walls are all still in a perfect state.

Euro Trip 2019

Summer season is fast approaching in Europe and deciding where you should be heading off to can be a little difficult. With so many places to see and so little time to explore them, I’ll help you plan the perfect Euro trip, covering both the popular places of Western Europe and under the radar destinations in the Eastern parts. Although the point of the Euro trip is to see as many locations in Europe as possible, I recommend sticking to one or two specific destinations, as you’ll have more time to explore and enjoy your trip rather than hopping from one place to another, spending most of your time in transportation. Friends of mine who own a garage floor coating company in Calgary took my advice on their recent trip to Europe and they were incredibly happy with their trip.

Croatia

Croatia is perhaps the most popular destination in Easter Europe, maybe to popular, as in summer time Croatia is extremely busy with tourists, but what brings so many tourists to this place you might ask? Well Croatia appeals so much to travelers from all over the world for a number of reasons, like the astonishing landscapes showed on the “Game of Thrones” series, the marvelous Plivtice Lakes and Kirka Waterfalls, the stunning Adriatic coastline which stretches all over Croatia and the number of historic ruins and medieval cities like Hvar, with four UNESCO World heritages sites making Croatia a top destination in 2019. However I do recommend visiting Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar in early summer or perhaps late spring, if you are hoping to avoid the crowd.

Slovenia

After exploring the beauty of Croatia, continue your trip north to the wonderlands of Slovenia, a small country with some of the most surreal vistas in the whole world. If you’re an outdoorsman, you’ll love the diverse landscape terrain of this tiny country, from the Julian Alps, down the Logat Valley and to the Mediterranean Sea, Slovenia is a natural paradise. The main attraction in Slovenia however is Lake Bled, the town of Bled seems like it was born out of a fairy tale, as several castles rise from the verdant forest surrounding the crystal clear waters of the lake Bled. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of this place, by kayaking on the calm waters, to the island which rises in the center of the lake, the island also has its own church.

Portugal

From Slovenia we head west, to the beautiful beaches, the vivid landscape and lively cities of Portugal, located on the Western Coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is among the most visited countries in Europe with 127 million foreign visitors in the past year and it doesn’t take long to figure why, as the country has idyllic climate, affordable travel costs and above all, the historic architecture and culture of its cities, with 14 UNESCO World Heritage sites. As soon as you step foot in Portugal you’ll get overwhelmed from places to see and activities to do, whether its ridding the tram up the streets of Lisabon, enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine with by the Douro river or take a boat trip to the botanic wonders of the island of Madeira, you’ll never get enough of this place.

Italy

What’s the point of planning a Euro trip, if you’re not going to include the home of the most fabulous cuisines and wines, beautiful coasts, mountains and Alpine lakes. Italy has a rich history with an abundance of ancient historic attractions, making it the country with the most UNESCO World Heritages sites in the entire world. If you’re planning on visiting Italy for a short period of time, than you’ll probably want to visit some “must-see” classics like the Colosseum in Rome, the romantic canals of Venice or the stone bridge in Florence. But if you have the chance of exploring Italy for a longer period of time, make sure you pay a visit the scattered city of Positano, located on the Amalfi Coast, the Piazza del Campo square in Rome, Tuscan village of San Gimigano and last but not least the beautiful village of Manarola.

 

 

Crete – a little island tour

Greece administrates 3054 islands which amounts to around 80% of all islands in the Mediterranean. The largest Greek island is Crete with its roughly 600,000 inhabitants, around 100 kilometres south of the Greek mainland. There is many versions to the origin of its name, however, most of them evolve around the female name “Krete”.

The islands picturesque landscape is characterised by its many hills and mountains which makes for fertile soil, the foundation of a rich vegetation. The 300 sunny days a year are ideal for growing succulent olives and full-flavoured wines. Crete’s 1066 kilometres coastline build a contrast to the abundance of flora and fauna.

As with many islands, the easiest way of getting there is usually by plane. Especially during summer months you will find plenty of offers by low-cost airlines. Once you arrive, renting a car is a comfortable way of exploring the island at your own pace.

Iraklio and the wine country

Iraklio is Crete’s capital city. It may not fit the traditional image of beauty, but take some time to enjoy the numerous cafés and restaurants, admire the local craftwork in the shops and at the market and stroll along the Venetian harbour and out to the sea on top of the fortress walls.

Around Iraklio you can find the beautiful wine country where around 25 wineries produce 70% of Crete’s wine. The scenic hills, slopes and valleys are home to plenty of vineyards where not only the famous Kotsifali, Vilana, Liatiko and Romeiko grapes flourish.

Knossos

You will find the remarkable ruins of the Palace of Knossos only 5 kilometres south of Iraklio. Excavation of this Minoan Palace started in 1878. This archaeological site is Crete’s most famous historical attraction. Take at least 2 hours to walk around staircases and rooms and be astonished by frescos and pottery.

Matala

Matala is a small hippie town on the south coast of Crete. According to Greek mythology, Zeus kidnapped the Phoenician princess Europa and brought her to this beach in the shape of a bull. During the Neolithic Period, caves have been build into the soft rock on this bay. They were later used as graves during the Roman Period. In the 60s a large group of Hippies, mainly from the US, used the caves as a hideout. Today you can visit the caves and get a breathtaking view over the bay.

Hania

Hania is a charming town in the Northwest of the island. Venetian and Turkish building designs have left enchanting town houses and boutique hotels. This is a great place to wind down, stroll along the Venetian harbour, pick up some souvenirs from local arts and crafts shops and discover some of the best dishes you can find on Crete in Hanias narrow, winding alleys.

Balos

This bay all the way up in the Northwest tip of Crete is most certainly one of the most stunning places on the island. The lagoon will win you over with its fine, white coral and shell beach, shallow waters and captivating surrounding nature.

Coronado, San Diego Travel Guide

Coronado is a resort city in San Diego Bay, California. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Here are the top must-see attractions in Coronado, San Diego.

Coronado Beach

This beach runs along Ocean Boulevard with a backdrop of stunning mansions and homes as well as the magnificent Hotel del Coronado. This long sandy beach literally sparkles and has been consistently voted one of the finest beaches in America. Coronado Beach is known for its gently rolling waves and expanses of soft sand perfect for surfing, swimming, and volleyball. In between sunbathing you can head into Newton Creamery for a hand-scooped gourmet ice cream then come back at sunset for a signature Coronado margarita at the Dells Cabana bar.

Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado is a historic hotel originally built-in 1888. It is along the Pacific coastline of California and has some of the most luxurious accommodations. You can relax with a massage by the beach or enjoy a swim in the beautiful outdoor pool.

Coronado Ferry Landing

Enjoy exquisite fine dining on the waterfront or shop till you drop in one of the most picturesque settings. Here, you can also ride the oldest woodworking ferry in the USA and enjoy a stunning view of this beach town.

Coronado Tidelands Park

Coronado Tidelands Park hosts picnic areas, fields, a small beach, and lots of open space where you can enjoy any outdoor activity. Additionally, you can ride along the scenic bike path that extends from the old ferry landing to the Silver Strand.

Coronado Bridge

This is a 2.12-mile bridge in San Diego Bay that connects the city of Coronado with the city of San Diego. The Coronado Bridge is noteworthy because of its amazing height of about 200 feet.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a great place to pick up a souvenir from your visit or have a meal with a waterfront view. This is an exciting place to stop for food and shopping in San Diego and it is also located on the harbor so you can watch as the ships come in and out.

Coronado Village

Coronado Village runs along Orange Avenue a chic little shopping district that’s packed with luxury boutiques, theaters, and charming restaurants. It’s a great place to ride your bike, linger over frozen yogurt, or even join a Segway tour.

Coronado Historical Association

The Coronado Historical Association offers walking tours of the Hotel del and some of Coronado’s famous buildings. A few miles south Silver Strand State Beach beckons visitors with its breezy winds that are perfect for kite surfing. For something more laid-back, the gondola company offers romantic sunset cruises through the Coronado Keys as one of the most dog-friendly cities in California.

Coronado has plenty of places to take your pup, you can let your dog run through the sand at Coronado dog Beach located at the end of Ocean Boulevard or book a dog surfing lesson through the Loews.