CNN recommends autumn sailing in Dalmatia to sailors

Describing Dalmatia as the Cote de Azur of the east and the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean, the American TV station CNN recently recommended it to sailors as an ideal destination in the autumn when there are no tourist crowds but it is still warm, in its monthly sailing program ‘Mainsail’.

‘For visitors in search of stable weather, after the summer crowds have gone and it is still warm... then the Dalmatian coast is at its best’ recommends CNN. ‘From the historically magnificent Split and glamorous Hvar to the picturesque island of Korčula and the fortified and unique Dubrovnik’, this is the route for a five day autumn cruise along the Dalmatian coast, which Mainsail recommends, including a visit to the island of Mljet.

Hollywood stars Sean Connery, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pierce Brosnan publicly express their love of the Dalmatian coast, while Clint Eastwood and Sharon Stone searched there for private islands, states CNN.

It points out that the Croatian coast is famous for its stone cities from the Middle Ages, Roman excavations, picturesque ports and the crystal clear sea, which attract numerous super-yachts during the summer months and a large number of foreign tourists.

Describing the destinations of the proposed cruise, CNN mentions among other things the richness of the Roman and Renaissance monuments in Split, the unavoidable Palace of Diocletian and a number of contemporary cultural events, recommending a visit to the film festival in the middle of September.

It mentions Hvar as a sanctuary for the jet-set, the Croatian Saint-Tropez, to whose popularity contributed stars such as Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Steven Spielberg. The club Carpe Diem is mentioned as a modern gathering place for celebrities that should not be missed.

Along with the beauty of Korčula it is mentioned that this is Marco Polo`s birth place, while a visit to the bishop`s treasury that holds a collection of sacral and Renaissance artwork from Croatia and Italy is highly recommended.

On the island of Mljet, docking is recommended in the Pomena bay, as is a visit to the National park, with its clear lakes, peaceful beaches and picturesque biking trails. The cruise ends under the walls of Dubrovnik, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, which is with its baroque churches, richly decorated palaces and tiled streets under the protection of UNESCO as part of the world heritage, and it is considered to be one of the most sophisticated historical cities in Europe, states CNN.

Together with pointing out the specific charm of Dubrovnik, sailors are encouraged to walk along the city walls or to visit the music festival organised by Julian Rachlin and friends as well as a visit to the theatre festival.


CNN
http://www.cnn.com/

Croatia Airlines to launch new Split – Hamburg service in 2011

Croatia Airlines from 16APR11 is launching NEW Split – Hamburg service with Airbus A319/320. Initially service operates 1 weekly but will increase to 2 from May 2011.

Schedule:

OU426 SPU0940 – 1150HAM 319 3 04MAY11-12OCT11
OU426 SPU1600 – 1810HAM 320 6 16APR11-22OCT11

OU427 HAM1240 – 1440SPU 319 3 04MAY11-12OCT11
OU427 HAM1900 – 2100SPU 320 6 16APR11-22OCT11

Article Source: AirlineRoute.net

Dubrovnik Sightseeing – View History in Modern Style

The city of Dubrovnik is located at the coast of Adriatic Sea. Its beaches attract large number of tourists from all over the world. Besides beaches and water activities, travelers also love Dubrovnik sightseeing. The city is one the most famous and attractive cities in Mediterranean and has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites.

Dubrovnik sightseeing includes well preserved historical and cultural heritage. City is easily accessible by air from almost all major European cities and by ferries from Croatian cities, islands and towns. You can also enjoy your journey on ferry while traveling from Italy. You’d come across number of walls while exploring the city.

Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise) is the patron saint of the city. Hence you’d see lot of statues of Saint Blaise around the city. The city is home to many old buildings. Arboretum Trsteno is the oldest arboretum in the world and holds the peak position in the list of Dubrovnik Sightseeing. Visit Little Brother’s Church to see third oldest European pharmacy which is still operational.

Take short boat ride from Dubrovnik and reach Lacroma Island. You’d see a botanical garden and a monastery still survive from the ear of Mexican Emperor Maximilian. The Napoleonic fort still stands on the island to tell the history silently. Besides history, Lacroma Island is also includes a forest vegetation and natural reserve and a naturist beach. “Walls of Dubrovnik” is another attraction in Dubrovnik Sightseeing. The walls were made in 7th century in order to protect citizens of the city.

During Middle Ages, limestone was used to construct the wall. Present day city core was built around the area in 11th century. The walls has Dubrovnik has four gates namely Gate of Pila, Gate of Ploca and Gate of Buza. You’d find well equipped complex in Pila gates. There are multiple doors in the complex and other notable sites are Gothic arches, wooden drawbridge, and statue of Saint Blaise. In Gate of Ploca, you can visit freestanding Revelin Fortress connected by wooden drawbridge.

Dubrovnik sightseeing is incomplete without visiting the forts of the city. There are several forts in Dubrovnik however; beauty of Fort Bokar is unparalleled. The two story casemate fortress was the key point in Pila Gate’s defense. St. John’s Fortress is another popular fort in the city. On the ground floor you can see an aquarium with fishes inside from different parts of Adriatic Sea. As you go upstairs, ethnographic and maritime museum are there on the upper floors. Maritime museum features Second World War’s technique of navigation and sailing.

Festivals of the city are another attractions for excursionists apart from Dubrovnik sightseeing. Visit from July 10th to august 25th every year and be a part of the celebration of Dubrovnik summer festival that features rich performances of opera, theater, classical music and traditional dance.

Rich cultural life of Dubrovnik is evident from its theaters, cinemas and traditions. Another aspect of Dubrovnik sight seeing is people-watching while sipping coffee in the café on the Stradun.