Why Greece? And I replied, “Why not!” The history, beaches, and activities just to list a few. Why go on a tour and specifically a tour with Trafalgar? Simply, the ease of not having to plan anything, guided by an expert with over 10 years of experience, and the accommodation are first class. So let’s get straight to what I have experienced while Greek Island Hopper with Trafalgar tour.
Continue readingTake a hike in this famous national park where 16 lakes roll into each other to create a paradise with multiple waterfalls. The full trail can take up to 6 hours to complete with over 11 miles of the wooden walkway, or you can opt for the shorter version of about 4 hours where you’ll skip portions using free boats.
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If you don’t want to hike the full trail and even 4 hours is too much, you can hike just the top portion in about 2 hours. Bring comfortable walking shoes and maybe a poncho if you want to get the best view of the large waterfall. The summer season is the best time to visit as the weather will be the most cooperative and getting wet from the splashing waterfalls will be refreshing.
It would be a huge missed opportunity to visit Dubrovnik and not walk the old city walls and forts. You can purchase a ticket and climb up some steps and begin your one way – from any of two entrances – and walk off the 2-mile wall in a counterclockwise direction. There’s no rush to finish in any amount of time, so take your time and fully enjoy the views of the Adriatic sea and the iconic orange tiled roofs.
BEST TIME TO GO
In terms of weather, the summer or spring will be the best time to do this walk. Summer will be the hottest as you’ll be about over 80ft above the city, but any other season and you may encounter rain during your stroll. As you walk, there will be little places to sit and enjoy a drink to rest before continuing.
When you’re done with your self guided tour on the city walls and have taken all the selfies of you with the beautiful Adriatic sea in the background, make sure to explore every little corner of the old town. The old town is basically the biggest attraction here and is still a fully functioning city with local residents living within the old walls. Chances are high that you’ll find a cute, charming little cafe or pub that feels like your own little secret spot.
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Dubrovnik has become even more famous in recent years due to HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones. A lot of major places within the show were filmed here in Dubrovnik spawning a side industry of Game of Thrones tours.
When you’re done exploring the inner workings of the old town confined in the city walls and fortress, take a cable car ride up for the most iconic view of Dubrovnik. A quick ride up Srd Mountain – running every 3 minutes – you’ll be treated to the best view of the Adriatic and the old town. Once you’ve taken it all in, reflect on your time there at the restaurant up at the top.
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The entrance to the cable car is right outside the old city walls. Running every 3 minutes, you won’t have to rush or walk far to catch a ride.
Designed by local architect Nikola Basic, Zadar’s Sea Organ is a masterpiece in its own right. The structure is built into stone stairs that dip right into the sea and is a system of pipes that whistles and creates soothing sounds reminiscent of an organ as the waves push air through the pipes.
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If you have time, you can do as the locals do and spend some time here on the steps, maybe enjoying a small little picnic as you reflect on your incredible time in Croatia. This is also a great spot to catch the sunset with the “organ” piping in the background.
Right next to the Organ is another installation by Nikola Basic. The Sun Salutation is a 72ft wide circular piece filled with 300 glass plates that collect solar energy during the day. The result is a really fun light show from sunset to sunrise that attracts lots of tourists and families where kids like to enjoy the light show.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to be here is right before sunset to stake out your spot to enjoy the illuminating light show beaming onto the floor. It can get crowded with kids and families so your view may not be guaranteed.
Krka National Park is made up of the 45 mile long Krka River and is defined by its beautiful waterfalls. Over a millennia of river water has created a bit of a phenomenon – the water has carved a canyon about 650ft deep into hills made out of limestone. It’s truly a sight to behold and a must-see destination for any visit to Croatia.
Right along the main harbor in Split is a towering palace complex from ancient Roman times. However, this is no regular palace, this is essentially what makes up the city of Split. You’ll find all types of restaurants, bars, shops, and even residences here. Even more amazing? This structure was built in the 4th century and took 10 years to finish.
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Most of your time in Split will be spent here. Navigating the palace is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, secret corridors, and yes, more Game of Thrones filming locations. Fans of the show will be happy to know a scene involving dragons was filmed in the basement of the complex.
The imposing Klis fortress controls the narrow valley leading into Split. Built by Illyrians in the 2nd century BC, this fortress has a long history of being attacked and taken control of by different groups. In the end, the Venetians took control of it in 1648. Just northwest of the center of Split, this is a short journey and a good option for a day trip.
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Our last Game of Thrones reference, fans will be delighted to know Klis fortress served as the setting of Mereen in the show.
With over 1200 beautiful islands, no trip to Croatia is complete without getting on a boat and exploring some. Croatia’s islands and islets make up about 3700 miles of coastline. Some notable stops are at Hvar, Trogir, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Mostly an outdoor destination, you’ll definitely want to know the weather forecast ahead of your arrival. Part of the Balkans, Croatia has the advantage of amazing weather coupled with rich history, you don’t want anything to hold you back during your visit.
QUICK FACTS
The average high during the spring is 70F and average lows of 56F. It can still be chilly during this time but it’s a good time to visit as crowds have not yet arrived. It may be too cold to do any sailing or multi-day stays at sea.
During the summer, the average highs are 83F and 71F lows. The weather is picturesque beautiful during this time but crowds are big and the prices are higher. If you don’t mind, this is is the time of the year you want to come.
Winter is coming and with it, average highs of 56F and 46F low. It does snow in Croatia and can often snow a lot. This is low season where there are little tourist groups but it’s the cheapest time of the year to visit. Don’t count on doing too many of the outdoor activities during this time as some parks have winter hours and some may not even be open.
Translating directly to “strength” or “fortified city”, the Kremlin is synonymous with Russia’s government in the same way as the White House is to the USA. There are actually over 20 Kremlins in Russia, but the most famous is of the one in Moscow. The complex has an intricate system of palaces and cathedrals and is walled in. The Kremlin is where Russia’s president works out of, but is not his place of residence.
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When visiting the Kremlin, you’ll be able to visit the country’s main museum, the Kremlin Armory, and also the Cathedral Square, famous for coronations and funerals of all the Russian tsars.
Don’t be fooled by its name, the Kremlin Armory is the country’s main musume and does not house only weapons. It has a very large collection of art from Russia as well as from all over Europe from the 5th to 20th century. If you like Faberge eggs, well you’re in luck because this armory is equipped with the largest collection of Faberge eggs, as well as crowns, carriages, and tsars’ royal vestments.
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When visiting the museum, you’ll have the option of visiting another exhibit – one of the most important diamond exhibits in the world. You can say it’s comparable to the Crown Jewels of England.
The Cathedral square in the Kremlin is a plaze made up for 4 other cathedrals. This area is famous for the coronations and funerals of Russian Tsars. However, as these days they do not name Tsars in Russia, but Presidents, this square is mainly used for Presidential inaugurations now.
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Also present here is the Tsar-Bell, a gigantic bronze bell that, has been called the largest bell in the world by some, weighing over 200 tons and measuring over 20ft diameter.
Located right in the heart of Moscow, the Red Square is the most famous square in the country. Not only is the square massive in size, but some of the country’s most famous attractions are also all right here. The Red Square has been a central hub for traders and merchants for centuries, mainly due to its close proximity to the Kremlin. This pedestrianized area was designated a UNESCO site in 1990.
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The Red Square is a central location for most of what you want to see in Russia. Just standing in the square you’ll be able to see, The Kremlin, the GUM department store, Kazan Cathedral, State of History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum, St Basil’s Cathedral, and more!
Just a couple of feet away from the Kremlin Wall, lies Vladimir Lenin, former Russian leader, embalmed in his Mausoleum. Around 2.5 million people visit every year. First opened to the public in August 1924, this iconic building and major tourist attraction is free for everyone to see.
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Keep in mind photography of any kind is strictly forbidden when visiting the Mausoleum. If caught taking photos, security guards and/or workers will ask that you delete any images taken inside the Mausoleum.
At the head of the Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral stands proudly as Russia’s most recognizable building. Along with the Kremlin, it was designated as a UNESCO site in 1990. Although the cathedral is the most iconic in the country, it isn’t the main cathedral. When visiting, it’s a must-do to take a tour inside as it is just as unique as the outside architecture.
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The cathedral was built in 1561 to celebrate the defeat of the Khan of Kazan at the hands of Ivan the Terrible. This defeat cemented Msocow’s hold of power as the most dominant city in the region.
With exhibitions and collections dating back to the Stone Age and Medieval Russia, The State Historical Museum is the biggest historical museum in the country and as such has an impressive and enormous collection of work, with over 5 million total pieces.
The Glavny Universalny Magazin, or GUM, is the largest department store in Russia. Built in 1889 and reconstructed in 1953, this building is as famous as the high end boutique stores it houses. It now has 3 levels and functions more as a mall instead of a single department store.
Originally planned to be the “Russian Versaille”, the Palace at Peterhof was going to be the centerpiece of the complex for Peter the Great. Construction of the palace began in 1714 and halted after Peter’s death in 1725. It wasn’t until 1740 when his daughter took the throne and completed the palace.
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The palace was partially destroyed after WWII but none of the reconstruction takes away from the elegance and beauty of this palace. This is a must-see while visiting Russia.
During the Napoleonic invasion, the idea of constructing the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was born. It wasn’t until 1883 when it was finally done and opened to the public. However, in 1931, Stalin blew it to pieces to make way for a proposed Palace of Soviets, which never got built. The grounds were then used for different things but eventually, $360 million later, the cathedral was rebuilt.
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The Cathedral was built as a national monument as a way to express the nation’s deepest gratitude for saving Russia.
As you’re planning this once in a lifetime visit to Russia, keep in mind Russia is the largest country in the world and geographically it spans across multiple regions. The weather can vary greatly, depending on where you’re going. So you’ll want to know the best time to visit Russia and we can help with that!
QUICK FACTS
The average high in the Summer is 84F with average lows of 62F. Summertime is a fun, vibrant time to visit. The weather is warm and the crowds are buzzing. St. Petersburg will have fireworks and cultural events happening throughout the city. However, the best time to visit is also the wettest time as it rains the most during Summer.
The average high in the Fall is 64F and 42F lows. Fall is a great time to visit. As the weather cools down, so do the crowd sizes. Touring the country will be very comfortable, but pack layers. Another benefit of visiting in the Fall is to witness the beautiful Fall foliage as the leaves turn a golden brown and deep dark reds.
The average high during the Winter is 50F and 32F low. As you can imagine, the Winter is brutally cold with most of the country covered in snow. Aside from the cold, the days are also shorter, lasting just a few hours. The tourists here mainly here for winter sports.
The average high in Spring is 60F with 38F lows. During Spring, there are still not too many visitors. However, it’s still cold and you’ll find walking around not as fun – and potentially dangerous – as the muddy snow is still melting. If visiting in the Springtime, May would be a better time to come as the weather warms up and the days start to get longer.
Since Roman times, the rivers that surround Bordeaux have connected the region to the rest of the world and facilitated the trade of the very first red wines. Now, you can cruise the same rivers aboard the elegant Scenic Diamond on a Bordeaux Wine River Cruise with Scenic.
When unrivaled luxury, exceptional service, extraordinary cuisine and nautical excellence come together, the result is unmistakably Uniworld. With more than 4 decades of experience in river cruising, rest assured that you will receive the most consistently exceptional experience. See how Uniworld all-inclusive river cruise goes above and beyond to deliver a truly exceptional vacation.