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bq | HOSPITALITY+TOURISM | 48 HOURS IN
ADRIATIC ABUNDANCE
48 Hours in Croatia Fancy a modern but Mediterranean touristic experience? Croatia promises to surprise you every time with its bustling coastal towns, architecture and rich heritage By Shereen D'Souza, Doha
Dotted with over a thousand islands, dramatic mountainous landscapes and sparkling azure waters on a long coastline that stretches over the Adriatic Sea, the Republic of Croatia offers the perfect getaway to tourists looking for a relaxed yet exciting vacation to an East European destination. Positioned between the Balkans and Central Europe, the beauty, heritage and culture promises to leave its soaring summer temperatures far behind. The best time to visit would probably be May and June or post September, to escape the soaring heat while soaking in the best of Croatia’s sun and sapphire waters at some of Europe’s most popular beaches. Croatia is divided into various regions, each one with its own charm, and covering all of them might seem www.bqmagazine.com
impossible. Forty-eight hours presents a tough and hectic itinerary, as Croatia boasts a combination of unspoilt nature, centuries-old architecture and a lively contemporary cultural scene in some not-to-miss islands and towns! 48 hours in Croatia Day 1 8:00 Plitvice Lakes National Park - This UNESCO World Heritage Site promises to blow your mind away with its unique turquoise and azure coloured lakes and waterfalls. Definitely a must if you love hiking. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological
processes continue today. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and rare bird species. It is recommended you start early in the morning to explore the 18.3 km K-Trail, the longest in the protected area that extends over 296.85 sq. km. (Price per person: 180 Kuna.) 17:00 Bus to Zagreb 19:00 Explore Zagreb - Make your way around the town sampling some of the chic lounges, bistros, cafes and shopping around the Lower Town lined with Habsburg-era buildings and a bronze statue of the 19th century ruler. Make sure to walk up to the Upper Town and feel its history as you stroll through the streets around St Mark’s Church. If you arrive earlier in the day, Zagreb is known for its museums and the Museum of Broken Relationships in the Upper Town is something to stop by. In the Lower