Located at a meeting point between central Europe and the Mediterranean, Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country with a diverse range of landscape, from the forest covered mountains, to the Pannonian Plain and its mesmerizing coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has re-emerged from its war torn past of a decade ago to become a sparkling jewel in the Mediterranean crown, welcoming visitors from all around with its diverse culture and warm temperate climate.
The Istrian Peninsula is a spectacular corner of the Adriatic, with fascinating towns, beautiful coastline and three National Parks. Porec, under Venetian rule acquired an Italianate style, evidenced in its palaces, squares and religious buildings. The 6th century Basilica of Euphrasius is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is adorned in gold and splendid mosaics, some of which date back to the 4th century. Pula is well known for its Roman monuments, notably the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, one of the six largest existing today, the Arch of the Sergii, erected in the 1st century BC, and the Gate of Hercules. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, Plitvice National Park is known for its spectacular waterfalls, 16 lakes, varied bird life, and rich flora and fauna.
Croatia’s capital Zagreb is a cosmopolitan city awash with cultural institutions. Principal museums include the Ethnographical Museum, Mimara Museum, the Gallery of Old Masters and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Neo Classical Parliament & Government Palace is where Croatian independence was proclaimed in 1918.
Split is a town full of charm, including the Palace of Diocletian, once a typical Roman military camp, the Renaissance Town Hall on People’s Square, and the Museum of Split with its 16th century works, paintings and books.
Known as the “jewel of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik welcomes visitors with a warm heart. Since war in the early 1990’s, when almost half of the houses and all of the monuments were shelled, Dubrovnik has been restored to its former beauty.
Art collections, great beaches and fields of scented lavender fields make Hvar one of the Dalmatian Coasts treasures. A further enchanting island, Korcula is one of the largest of the Dalmatian Coast islands. Principal sights include the Abbey Treasury known for its Venetian and Dalmatian art, Civic Museum and the Icon Gallery, famous for its collection of Byzantine icons. Mljet National Park is an island where nature is left undisturbed, where uninhabited islands and secluded beaches offer a restful retreat. The islands may be reached by boat from Dubrovnik and Split.
