Croatia

Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast. The country borders Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia & Montenegro and Slovenia. The country’s landscape ranges from small villages in the interior to the dramatic Dalmatian coastline. In the north, the Istria peninsula includes the major coastal resorts of Porec, Pula, Opatija and Rovinj; the Kvarner region has many islands and islets with good beaches. Further south, are the Split and Makarska regions. Zagreb, the economic, cultural and administrative heart of the region, sits prominently on the River Sava. Dubrovnik was once considered to be the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval walls and palaces. Split was founded in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The enormous palace he built and the walled town now form part of the old quarter. Concerts, opera and dance all take place within the palace. Plitvice Lakes National Park consists of a string of 16 beautiful blue-green lakes in a valley between high forested mountains. Foodwise, visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup).