Destination: Croatia

Odyssey Travel incorporates a blend of coach, local train, and ferry transport into its tours, clearly detailing each mode in the itinerary provided to travellers. Croatia boasts a robust bus network, ensuring convenient travel options across nearly all urban centres and municipalities. When exploring the picturesque islands scattered along Croatia’s coastline, ferries and catamarans emerge as the favoured modes of transportation. However, the country’s train system is somewhat constrained by its mountainous terrain, primarily serving the northern regions of Croatia.

In urban hubs, Odyssey opts for conveniently situated 3-4 star hotels, offering seamless access to public transportation. Meanwhile, in quaint villages or remote regions, our preference leans towards charming family-operated hotels or guesthouses. For extended tours where guests reside in one place for the duration, serviced apartments are the accommodation of choice.

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Croatia’s location on the stunning Adriatic coast allows it to showcase its diverse landscape across 56,594 square kilometres. The country boasts flat plains in the east and north, transitioning into captivating mountainous regions in the west and along the southern coastline. With a length of 1,777.3 kilometres, Croatia is home to a staggering 1,246 islands and islets peppering its coastline, culminating at the majestic Dinara mountain standing tall at 1,831 metres.

This picturesque country features a continental climate offering warm summers and cool winters. Be mindful of seasonal precipitation variations in different regions, emphasizing the importance of checking weather reports and making suitable preparations tailored to your travel timeframe.

Croatia boasts a remarkable total of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural significance. Among these sites are the striking Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards, showcasing intricate carvings and embellishments on gravestones. The Stari Grad Plain stands out for its blend of agricultural and cultural landscapes on the island, while Hvar meticulously preserves the agricultural techniques of ancient Greek settlers dating back to the 4th century BCE. Additionally, Diocletian’s Palace in Split stands as a testament to Croatia’s historical legacy, recognized as one of the finest remaining examples of Roman architecture globally.

In Croatia, the calendar is filled with a plethora of vibrant festivals and events. A notable longstanding tradition is the Festival of St Blaise in Dubrovnik, which has been celebrated continuously since 972 AD in homage to Saint Blaise, the city’s patron saint. This festival is characterized by costumed parades, religious blessings, and heartfelt gratitude towards Saint Blaise among the people of Dubrovnik.

Adding to Croatia’s cultural richness is the captivating Moreška, a traditional sword dance performed on the enchanting island of Korčula. This performance showcases intricate costumes and exhilarating sword fights, depicting the conflicts between two rival kings vying for a mysterious young woman.

Noteworthy events also include the Vinistra exhibition in Poreč, held mid-year, where the region’s finest wines and spirits are proudly displayed, and the esteemed Pula Film Festival, a cinematic tradition dating back to 1954, gracing the historic Roman amphitheatre of Pula (Pula Arena) annually with compelling film screenings.

• A Traveller’s History of Croatia, by Benjamin Curtis
• Under a Croatian Sun, by Anthony Stancomb
• Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History, by Robert D. Kaplan
• A Taste of Croatia: Savoring the Food, People, and Traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, by Karen Evenden
• Running Away to Home, by Jennifer Wilson

Croatian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven with regional influences that richly define its culinary landscape. In the inland areas to the north and east, one can taste the Slavic, Hungarian, and Turkish flavors that shape dishes found there. Conversely, the coastal regions of Dalmatia and Istria boast a cuisine infused with Greek and Italian influences, particularly evident in their seafood-centric fare. Along the coastline, a renowned delicacy is black risotto, a unique Croatian iteration of the classic dish, made using rice, cuttlefish, onion, garlic, red wine, and olive oil, enhanced with the distinctive black hue of cuttlefish ink. Grilled fish, sardines, and octopus salad are also beloved dishes originating from the coastal regions. On the other hand, inland areas offer heartier fare like duvec, a savory stew packed with tomatoes, meat, and vegetables. Croatia’s beverage scene is equally diverse, with beer, wine, and rakija (fruit brandy) reigning supreme in a plethora of tempting varieties.

Croatia is widely considered a safe travel destination, but as with any place, it’s important to practice common sense while exploring the country.

When traveling overseas, it is essential to be prepared with the right travel adaptor. In Croatia, the electricity supply operates at 230V and 50Hz. You will need to have a suitable adaptor that is compatible with both Type C and Type F electric plugs during your visit. Being equipped with the correct adaptor ensures you can power your devices without any issues while exploring the stunning attractions of Croatia.