European Travel Guide

IsssuEe P1 TSEeMptBemERber22001133EE UuRroO pP EeAaNnTTRrAaVvEeLlTHISMONTHSFEATUREDDESTINATION-DUBROVNIK GGUuIDidEeThis Months FeatureDUBROVNIK Our Top Luxury Dubrovnik HotelsIN THIS ISSUEDubronvik Guide Your Pictures Coastal VillagesYOUR PICTURES This months pictures from Dubrovnik, Orasac & Trstino..FULL DUBROVNIK CITYGUIDE Where to eat, what to do, the best night life and attractions worth visiting. TOP LUXURY DU-BROVNIK HOTELS Our choice of the best luxury hotels..

2 europeanTravel gUIDEEUROPEAN TRAVEL This MonthsGUIDE IS Destination:PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY DubrovnikEuropean Travel Guide Dubrovnik is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast int/a Holiday Hotel Buddy the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the [email protected].,ukEDITOR: Simon MountainADVERTISINGAdvertise your business in our monthymagazine at special intoductory ratescontact:[email protected] YOUR ARTICLESBloggers and travel writers submit yourarticles now for consideration.If successfull you article will be pub-lished in one of our publications whichbest fits your article.PHOTOGRAPHYWe welcome submissions of yourtravel pictures from all our readers andfollowers.To submit a picture email them to us:[email protected] the subject line ‘PHOTOGRAPHY’ Today Dubrovnik is the proudest ning architecture and sculptural feather in Croatia’s tourist cap, detail, and boasts spectacular an elite destination and one of churches, monasteries, muse- the most beautiful towns in the ums, and fountains. A multitude Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used of typical towns and excursions to be an independent repub- include: The Elaphiti Islands, lic, surviving mostly on trade. the attractive town of Cavtat,the It managed to survive many Konavle valley, Mljet Island, centuries, with constant threats Korčula Island, Ston and Pelje- to its territory, particularly from sac Peninsula. The neighbour- the mighty Ottoman Empire and ing towns of Kotor and Perast in Venice. As early as 19th century, Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia it was discovered by celebrities and Herzegovina also make for as a place to be seen. George intrigiuing day trips. Bernard Shaw once said that “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it”. Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John Paul II was a fan of Dubrovnik and was even made an honor- ary citizen. Out of the 23 top luxury hotels in Croatia in 2010, 13 were located in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is steeped in stun-

e u r o p e a n T r aCvOeNl TgEUNITDSE 3 4 Dubrovnik Coastal Hideaways Some of the most charming untoched villages we feel you should see on your visit to Dubrovnik. We feature our favorite destinations on the coast north of Dubrovnik. Orasac, and Ston. 12 14 6 Montenegro Day Out Guide Dubrovnik AirportDubvovnik Guide Montenegro’s lower areas along Full traveller information for youA full guide to the attractions, the coast enjoy a Mediterranean to plan your Airport experience.cafe, bars and museums of climate, having dry summers and The airport is also called Cilipi,dubrovnik to enhance you stay mild, rainy winters. Central and after its location. Dubrovnik is a northern regions have Continen- popular tourist destination on the16 18 tal climate, where temperature Adriatic coast. It has only one ter- varies greatly with elevation. minal and handles approximately Podgorica, lying near sea level one million passengers annually.Top Hotels PicturesOur top choice Reader sub-of luxury hotels mitted photosin the Du- from Orasac,brovnik area Dubrovnikfor a comfort- Gruz harbourable stay. & the old town

4 europeanTravel gUIDEDubrovnikCoastalHideawaysNestled along the Croatian coastnear to Dubrovnik are some ofthe most charming untoched vil-lages we feel you should see onyour visit to Dubrovnik.We feature our favorite 3 des-tinations on the coast north ofDubrovnik. Orasac, and Ston. S ton OrašaCIn order to know Pelješac as an Orašac is a village in southernunique and historical entity, it is best Croatia,to start with Stonska Prevlaka (Ston northwest of Dubrovnik, betweenIsthmus), the single connection with Trsteno and Zaton. It is locatedthe mainland. Recessed among hills, in the Dubrovačko Primorje (Du-it extends 1.5 km between the south- brovnik littoral).ern and northern coasts. Archaeo- There are many old churches (suchlogical finds here show that Mediter- as the St Nicholas church build inranean and Balkan cultural groups 1250) and chapels, including thewere both present, and in prehistory Arapovo castle, where the chiefan exchange of goods took place by magistrate of Florence, the gonfa-land and sea. This area has attracted lonier Piero Soderini is believed tostreams of men and merchants from have stayed, before he left for Flor-the mountainous interior and the ence in 1512. Six villages are scat-open tered in the surrounding area.

europeanTravel gUIDE 5 Advertise In Our October Edition.Starting from ONLY £25 per month.

6 europeanTravel gUIDE DUBROVNIK CITY GUIDE There are a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices.Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous

europeanTravel gUIDE 7RESTAURANTSDUBROVNIK,CROATIAa GUIDE TO rESTAURANTS, IN DUBROVNIKKonoba Pjatanca, Lokanda Peskarija, Na Pile gate), +385 92 218 Beautiful DubrovnikKoločepska 2 (near the ponti bb, +385 20 324 8612, [28]. Dubrovnik’s architecturepublic beach Banje and 750. Traditional Dalmatian first and only vegetarianhotel Excelsior, out of the appetizers and meals, you restaurant, with vegantourist crowd, you pass the get your meal in a large and gluten free optionsPloče gate), +385 20 420 black fisherman’s style pot. available upon request.949 ([email protected]. Marco Polo, Lucarica 6 Pekara Zlatno Zrnohr). 10:00-24:00. Tradi- (near St. Blaise church), patisserie, Petra Kresi-tional Dalmatian kitchen, +385 99 801 45 66, [27]. mira (outside the city wallsnice atmosphere, fresh fish 10-24. Good traditional near the fire station), +385every day and only restau- food served in a small 20 412153. Nice patis-rant with local specialities, outdoor courtyard. Not serie / bakery that staysdomestic Smoked ham and really budget, but really open late. Expensive,Cheese in oil and most nice restaurant with dif- but cheaper than thosewanted dish Baked lamb or ferent types of food. within the city walls.veal under the bell “Peka” .La Luna, Andrije Hebranga Mea Culpa, Široka Street. Poklisar, Ribarnica 1 (in Dubrovnik Harbour60, +385 20 419 736, [26]. One of the best pizze- the old harbour), +38509:00-24:00. Large por- rias on what is becom- 20 322176. Limited buttions. Really good pizza ing a ‘pizza street’. Go good menu, including pizzawith fresh ingredients. Best for pizza or a coffee and and some very enjoy-to have a medium pizza for brandy and exchange able live piano music.1 person or large if you are banter with the staff. 70really hungry - a large can kn/pizza+bottle of water. Pizzeria Scala, Mata Bokar Fortress -be split in half for not that Nishta, Prijeko 30 (At the Vodopića 3 (near Tommy’s Dubrovnik old townhungry couples. Only pizza top of the first set of stairs supermarket), +385 091is served before 17:00, on Palmotićeva, which 412-5110, [29]. 08:00-for pasta or other dishes is the 3rd street on the 24:00. A very nice pizzeriayou will have to wait until left when walking from between Lapad and Babik17:00. 45 kn/medium pizza. Kuk. Pizza specialities.for traditionalism. meats, vegetables & fish are popular

8 eCuOrNoTpEeNaTnS T r a v e l g U I D Ea GUIDE TO museums, IN DUBROVNIKBukovac House (Kuća Sigurata Convent Mu- dating back from the See yourBukovac), Bukovčeva seum, Od Sigurate 13, time of the Dubrovnik advert here5, Cavtat, +385 20 478 +385 20 321 467. Upon Republic. Entry: 40 kn. now from646, [13]. 9AM - 1PM, request. Entry: 10 kn. The Treasury of Cathe- ONLY £104PM-8PM, Sun 4PM- Synagogue and Jew- dral, Kneza Damjana PER MONTH8PM. Closed Mon. In- ish Museum, Zudioska Jude 1, :+385 20 323 459.cludes works by Vlaho 5, +385 20 321 028. This 9AM-6PM. The TreasuryBukovac (1855-1922), originally Sephardic Syna- has 138 reliquaries whichone of the most famous gogue is supposed to be are carried around themodern Croatian paint- the second oldest still in city during the Feast ofers. Part of the house is use synagogue in Europe St Blaise. Entry: 15 kn.devoted to exhibitions of today. Entry: 20 kn. Maritime Museum, In St.works by young artists. Dominican Monastery John Fortress, +385 20 323Dubrovnik Natural Histo- Museum, Sv. Domina 4, 904. 9AM-6PM. Consider-ry Museum (Prirodoslovni +385 20 321 423. 9AM- ing how vital sailing andmuzej), Androvićeva 1, 6PM. Paintings and ar- shipbuilding were to the+385 20 324 888. 9AM- tifacts from Dubrovnik’s growth of the Dubrovnik4PM, closed Sa-Su. The past. Entry: 20 kn. Republic, this is one ofcollection of 100 year-old The Sponza Palace Muse- the city’s most importanttaxidermy specimens dates um (Museum of the State museums. Entry: 40 kn.back to 1872 and may Archives). Entry: 20 kn. Home of Marin Drzic,not appeal to everyone. The Rector`s Palace Široka 7, +385 20 420Franciscan Monastery Museum, Pred dvorom 490. M-Sa 9AM-1PM andMuseum, Placa 2. 9AM- 1, +385 20 321 437. by appointment. Memo-6PM. Houses artifacts 9AM-6PM. Artifacts, rial house of Marinfrom one of the world’s paintings and furnitureoldest pharmacies. 30 kn.

europeanTravel gUIDE 9

10 eCuOrNoT pE Ne aT Sn T r a v e l g U I D ECafes & BarsThere are numerous cafes Pile Gate they are on the studio 54 to Croatianand bars throughout the third street off of Stradun music. Low prices.Old Town and the entire city on the left.), +385 20 321 Factory, Put Repub-with prices varying accord- 223. D’Vino Wine Bar has like (Gruz, 1 km from theing to the location (particu- a selection of over 100 fine centre. Bus station islarly, those located on the domestic and imported situated just 20 m fromStradun are by far the most wine available by the glass, the Club.). Various kindsexpensive but you are pay- bottle, and in tasting serv- of music, many popu-ing for the ambiance and ings. Largest selection of lar singers and DJs.people-watching as well). wines by the glass in Du- gate.Most cafes serve a wide brovnik with a very intimate,variety of drinks all day. romantic atmosphere, which is a change of paceOliver Twist Bar, from other bars in the city.Vetranićeva 6 Dubrovnik Buzz Bar, Prijeko StreetCroatia (On one of the 21 is a newly opened bar,streets to the left of Stra- already popular amongdun walking from the Pile local people of Dubrovnik.gate). Cheap drinks in It has great selection ofexpensive Dubrovnik. This local rakija, wine, beeris an interesting,local bar but also has good coffeewith seating in and outside in the morning. It is espe-on the city stairs, good cially nice in hot summermusic, and FREE WIFI. as the street is in shade. Nonenina, Pred DvoromCafe Buža, Iza Mura 4, +385 91 333 0601, [37].(Follow a sign that says Chill music fills this lounge‘cold drinks’ and enter bar at night, making it athrough a hole in the wall great place to unwind afteron the south side of the a full day of sightseeing.Old Town. Just wander up Nude Noir Dubrovnik-the stairs (on the right side Cocktail Lounge Bohemiaof Stradun coming from (Poljana Paska MilicevicaPile gate), until you hit the 3), Opposite the Onofriocity walls, and then walk Fountain. The palatial yetall the way down.). The playful architecture of Ono-tables and chairs are set frio, a stylish art and cham-out on the side of the cliff pagne bar and restaurantand the beers are served built into the fabric of a rarein bottles and plastic cups. Baroque building situated in the centre of the Old Town,Casablanca, (On one of plays host to this season ofthe streets to the left of Nude Noir cocktail loungeStradun walking from the bohemia and laid-backPile gate). Look for flashing decadence betweenred and blue lights. This beginning of June andis an interesting, slightly end of Septembre everybizarre bar with seating day from 22.00 till 04.00.outside on the city stairs,techno music, and mayhave erotic dancing.D’vino Wine Bar, Palmo- Capitano, Pile. Vari-ticeva 4a (Coming from ous kinds of music from

europeanTravel gUIDE 11city wallWalk on the walls around Fort Revelin at Ploce. 90 kn for adults, 30 knthe old town, great views. The main entrance to the for children and stu-It is highly recommended City Walls is by the Inner dents with an ISIC.to visit the walls during the Pile Gates. Minceta Fortearly morning hours or the is one of the most beauti-late afternoon hours dur- ful cultural attractions ining mid-summer months Dubrovnik. It is situated onas it can become hot. the northwest side of theDubrovnik is surrounded city inside the City Walls.by City Walls which are 2 It was built according tokm long and for which it the design of Renaissanceis famous all around the builder Juraj Dalmatinac.world. Through the history Bokar Fort is situated onCity Walls were protec- the seaward of City Walls.tion from the enemy, today Hours: 8AM-7PM. En-Dubrovnik City Walls brings trance fee to the walls:

12 e u r o p e a n T r a v e l g U I D EmontenegroA bus ride from dubrovnik, ideal foran excursion or a few nights stayMontenegro’s lower areas along time, don’t let their popularitythe coast enjoy a Mediterranean hold you back. Even the largestclimate, having dry summers and of cruise ship crowds will not stopmild, rainy winters. Central and you from enjoying this country’snorthern regions have Continen- magnificent Riviera and Medievaltal climate, where temperature coast towns, especially if you’revaries greatly with elevation. willing to get up early and do yourPodgorica, lying near sea level in sightseeing ahead of the others.the valley of the central region, Of the country’s many churchesis noted for having the warmest and monasteries, the SerbianJuly temperatures in Montenegro, Orthodox Monastery of Ostrogaveraging 35-40°C (95-104 F). deserves special attention. It’sCetinje, in the Karst at an eleva- spectacularly located against ation of 670m (2,200 ft), has a practically vertical background,temperature 5°C (10 F) lower. some 15 km from Nikšić.January temperatures range Founded in the 17th century, it’sfrom 8°C (46 F) from Bar on one of the most visited pilgrim-the southern coast to -3°C (27 age destinations on the BalkansF) in the northern region. and boasts a magnificent viewMontenegro’s mountainous re- over the Bjelopavlići plain.gions receive some of the highestamounts of rainfall in Europe. In Montenegro Daily buses oper-the northern mountains, snow is ates from Dubrovnik through topresent throughout the spring. Kotor, Budva or Herceg Novi.Montenegro may be small in M ontenegroterms of area, but it boasts stun-ning mountainous landscapes,dramatic coast lines, historic mon-uments and truly beautiful walledtowns. The Montenegro coastis just as gorgeous as that of itsbetter known neighbour, Croatia,and it is for good reason that itsmain tourist destinations can getcrowded in summer. Neverthe-less, if you can’t visit at another

europeanTravel gUIDE 13montenegro informationl a ngu a ge F ood D rink The official language is Cold hors-d’oeuvres Montenegrin vineyardsMontenegrin. It is essen- include the famous and the production oftially the same language njeguški pršut (smoked quality wine is part of theas Serbian, Croatian and ham) and njeguški tradition of southern andBosnian. In some munic- cheese, pljevaljski coastal wine makers.ipalities with an Albanian cheese, mushrooms, The best known Mon- donuts and dried bleak. majority (Ulcinj, Plav, The main courses tenegrin wines areGusinje) and the Malesia specific for the north- the premium whites:district in Podgorica mu- ern mountainous re- “Krstač”, “Cabernet”, gion are boiled lamb, “Chardonnay” and reds: nicipality, the Albanian “Vranac”, “Pro Corde”. is commonly spoken.i s being re - di s covered by touri s t s from around the globe .

14 e u r o p e a n T r a v e l g U I D EDubrovnik’s international airportis one of Croatia’s most impor-tant airports. The airport is alsocalled Cilipi, after its location.Dubrovnik is a popular touristdestination on the Adriatic coast.It has only one terminal andhandles approximately one millionpassengers annually.

europeanTravel gUIDE 15D ubrovnikA irportessential information if you areflying into dubrovnik airportDubrovnik’s international airport Parking at the airportis one of Croatia’s most important The airport has 200 parkingairports. The airport is also called spaces, both for short and longCilipi, after its location. Dubrovnik term parking. The first 15 minutesis a popular tourist destination on are free and after that the price isthe Adriatic coast. It has only one at most HRK 5.00 per 2 hours.terminal and handles approxi-mately one million passengers Shopping and diningannually. At the airport, there are a few shops, restaurants and (snack)Car and Bus bars.The airport is located on theE65, approximately 24 kilome- Baggageters south east of the center of For lost and found items, pleaseDubrovnik. contact tel. +385(0)2 0773 328.There is an airport shuttle service(Atlas) between the airport and Informationthe Dubrovnik bus station. A ticket At the terminal there is a servicecosts HRK 35.00. There is also a desk which provides informationregular city busses service to and about the airport and timetables.from the airport. The bus is thecheapest way to get to the airport. Access for disabled people There are a number of facilitiesCar rental Dubrovnik Cilipi for disabled people.AirportThere are several car rental Other servicesagencies (Auto Europa, EasyCar, At the terminal there is a bank,Economy Car, Sixt, Herzt and post office and an exchange of-Holiday auto’s) at the arrival hall. fice. Opposite the rental agencies,You can also book a rental car in there is an ATM. The airport’sadvance at EasyTerra, this web- gardens are worth a visit.site compares multiple car rentalagencies and their rates simulta- Businessneously. The airport has two lounges. Other than this, there are no busi-Taxi ness facilitiesTaxicabs are available in front ofthe terminal. A trip to Dubrovnikcosts approximately HRK 250.00and takes half an hour. You canbook a taxi on line (tel. +385(0)98725 769).

16 e u r o p e a n T r a v e l g U I D ETop luxurydubrovnikhote lsOur top luxury hotels in thedubrovnik area to add a bit of luxuryto your stay Bellevue Dubrovnik luxury, superb service and atten- ous restaurants and bars, a wide Pera Cingrije 7, 20000 Dubrovnik tion to detail. The rooms all fea- range of meeting facilities as well This luxury hotel is a veritable ture sea views of the Adriatic and as the only casino of the city. The sanctuary for people looking to the nearby pebbly beach right un- famous old town of Dubrovnik relax their spirit and awaken their der the hote. The air-conditioned with its romantic historical build- senses, whilst escaping from establishment welcomes its ings, a UNESCO World Heritage the haste of everyday life. It truly guests into a lobby with 24-hour Site, is within walking distance. is a unique hotel for discerning reception and check-out service individuals. Comprising a total of Admiral Grand 91 guest rooms spread across 5 Dubrovnik Palace Rudera Boskovica Bb, 20232 floors, it offers an appreciation of Masarykov Put 20, 20000 Du- Slano, Dubrovnik brovnikle ing pursuit nay you looking.Dubrovnik Sun Gardens This luxurious beach hotel com- If on Surrounded by a scenic prises a total of 10 floors with 308 landscape with Mediterranean This exclusive resort, built in rooms. Guests may make use vegetation and forests of pine 2009, offers stylish accommo- of the air-conditioned foyer with and olive trees, the Admiral dation with private balconies a 24-hour reception desk, hotel Grand Hotel enjoys one of the and an amazing sea view. It safe, currency exchange desk, lift, most picturesque settings in the comprises a total of 408 guest TV room and conference facilities Dubrovnik area, in the lovely,rooms. Guests can soak up the with Internet access. In addition peaceful bay of Slano which issun on one of the lounge chairs to this, this hotel features a beach more than 2 km long and featureslaid out on the exclusive beach, restaurant, bistros, café-bars, beautiful beaches. Dubrovnik and enjoy fine dining at one of salons and aperitif bars as well with its enchanting old town, athe many different restaurants at as an air-conditioned à la carte UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the resort. The air-conditioned restaurant with highchairs for about 29 km away; the interna- property offers guests use of a younger guests. Room and laun- tional airport is at a distance of dry services are further features about 45 km.The luxurious hotel wide range of amenities. that can be taken advantage of. welcomes guests in modern and Car parking facilities are to be elegant surroundings with a bright found outside of the hotel. Rixos Libertas Liechtensteinov Put 3, 20000 Dubrovnik The elegant Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik is conveniently situ- ated in the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, enjoying panoramic views over the beautiful rugged coastline and the Adriatic Sea. It features vari-

europeanTravel gUIDE International business travel is an activity that isbecoming far more and far more complex on a dailybas is . You ought to b e we l l r e a d y p r i o r t o y o u b e gi n your journey and be ready for all eventualities.and airy style. The rooms are the hotel’s conference facilities Dubrovnik Sun Gardenselegantly appointed and feature a and Internet access. Room and Dubrovnik Sun Gardensstylish and contemporary interior laundry services are also offereddesign. Many of the rooms boast at this hotel.fantastic views over the beautifulSlano Bay and the surrounding Hilton Imperial Du-hills. The hotel offers several fine brovnikdining options which are sure to Marijana Blazica 2, 20000 Du-tempt even the most discerning brovnikpalate. Its tranquil atmosphere This business and conference es-and peaceful environment make tablishment combines 2 charmingthis grand hotel the perfect retreat hotels, which were originally builtfor those wishing to escape the in 1895. Fully renovated, the hotelbustle of everyday life. has preserved its original 19th century architecture, while at theCavtat Croatia same time introducing a mixtureFrankopanska 10, 20210 Cavtat, of comfort and technology. TheDubrovnik establishment comprises a total ofThe air-conditioned hotel has 147 guest rooms and suites andseveral restaurants and bars, prides itself on its ultimate eventwhile lounges and terraces make and conference facilities. Theit the ideal setting for banquets air-conditioned hotel welcomes itsand receptions. The 487-room es- guests into a lobby with 24-hourtablishment welcomes guests in reception and check-out service,a lobby with a 24-hour reception a hotel safe, currency exchangeand check-out service, a hotel facilities and a cloakroom.safe, currency exchange facili-ties, cloakroom and lift access.Business travellers will appreciate

18 e u r o p e a n T r a v e l g U I D EY our P hotosThe best pictures submitted by our readersin the dubrovnik area Orasac

e u r o p e a n T r a Cv Oe lN TgEUNITDSE 19Trstino

20 eCuOrNoTpEeNaTnS T r a v e l g U I D EGruz Harbour Dubrovnik

europeanTravel gUIDE CONTENTS 21Dubrovnik Old Town

europeanTravel gUIDE Issue 1 September 2013