United States Travel Guide

United States Tours Highlights

  • Explore the many National Parks and National Forests the USA has to offer, like Yellowstone National Park, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion.
  • New England is steeped in history and known for its amazing fall foliage.
  • Alaska is full of wildlife, natural beauty, huge glaciers, and friendly people.
  • The Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the largest. Travel to New Mexico for this colorful aerial extravaganza.
  • Discover the major cities in Texas. Stand in Dallas where Kennedy was shot, see the behind the scenes of NASA in Houston, and walk the San Antonio river walk.
  • Stroll around the French Quarter in New Orleans to hear Jazz music, eat delicious Cajun food, and visit unique landmarks.
  • Honky-tonk lovers will love Tennessee, where legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash come alive.
  • Island hop around Hawaii to see volcanoes, beaches, and forests. Spend time at Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
  • The west coast is full of fresh cityscapes, sun-kissed seaside cliffs, and rolling hills.
  • Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s through the 1960s.

United States Travel Tips

  • If you already live states side, a lot of the same cultural norms stand true throughout the United States.
  • You’ll find large portioned meals everywhere you go. Any sit down restaurant and anywhere you order a drink, tipping at least 20% is normal.
  • It is common to find public bathrooms that are free to use.
  • The United States is a huge country. The weather can vary greatly so plan ahead.
  • Respect people’s personal space when in public areas or on public transportation.
  • The US dollar is accepted everywhere in the United States and no other form of currency is used. Carry some cash to grab a coffee or buy other small items.
  • Beggars are common in high traffic areas. Most people suggest ignoring any solicitations for money.
  • Americans drive on the right side of the road and the driver sits on the left side of the car.
  • The United States uses the metric system for nearly everything.
  • It is likely that English will be the only language people speak. It best to learn some conversation English to communicate.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE UNITED STATES

1. STAND IN AWE IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon really do live up to their expectation. Each one has scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and tons of natural beauty. Choose from over 60 National Parks and experience some of the great wonders of the world.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • There are many National Parks spread out around the country. Pick your favorites and travel to ones that are also close by.
  • A tour is usually necessary to learn about the history of each of the parks.

2. VISIT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

Lady Liberty is an American icon located in New York Harbor. The copper statue was a gift from the people of France in 1886. She is engraved with the Roman numerals of the date of the US’s Declaration of Independence. She is located near Ellis Island, where immigrants would first arrive when they came by sea. You can walk around the State and even go inside for great views of the iconic New York skyline.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • You need to take a boat to the Statue of Liberty because she is located on an island
  • If you want to go inside the State, you have 2 options. A pedestal only ticket, which gets you halfway up, or a crown ticket, which gets you all the way to the top.
  • Prepare to go through 2 rounds of airport-like security to go to the island and to go inside the Statue.

3. WALK ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

This huge suspension bridge is a mile long and located in the San Francisco Bay over the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 1937, this is one of the most famous and recognizable bridges in the world. Under the bridge is Fort Point National Historic Site, a free NPS location that offers both interesting history and a scenic view.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Summer months are the best time to visit because the weather is warm. Keep in mind fog can obstruct your view early in the morning, so afternoons are best. For great views, go at sunset.

4. LEARN ABOUT US HISTORY IN WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC is the nation’s capital and full of government buildings including the US Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court. One of the world’s largest libraries, the Library of Congress, is a huge research library that contains one of the Gutenberg Bibles. The National Mall is the park area located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • All the Smithsonian Museums are free, as well as a lot of the government buildings. However, some exhibits might require a reserved ticket ahead of time.
  • Check calendars for any closures on public holidays.
  • Located outside of DC, Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon are popular sites to visit.

5. SEE THE HUGE MOUNT RUSHMORE MEMORIAL

Mount Rushmore is an enormous sculpture carved into the face of a mountain in South Dakota. It depicts the 60-foot heads of four US presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. There are trails to walk around to view the flora and fauna of the area.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Summer months are very popular, but any sunny day is a great time to visit. Spring and Fall have great temperatures and will have lighter crowds.

6. ISLAND HOP IN HAWAII

Visit active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, nature preserves with wildlife, historical memorials, and forests full of walking trails and waterfalls. Go to Honolulu and see Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learn about the attacks in 1941. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park encompasses two active volcanoes with dramatic views and lots of rare flora and fauna.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Rainy season is considered to be from November to March, but there are many parts of Hawaii that won’t receive a lot of rainfall. The Springtime and Fall are both wonderful times to visit.  

7. WANDER AROUND THE FRENCH QUARTER                   

The French Quarter is a popular buzzing area of New Orleans. This city square is the oldest section of New Orleans. The area has historical buildings, lots of restaurants and bars, street art and performers, and a huge church, St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Stop by Café du Monde 24/7 for some chicory coffee and famously delicious beignets, and shop around the French Market for local foods and crafts. Get out of the hustle and bustle and take a stroll along the walk on the Mississippi river banks.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Busy weekends change week to week depending on if there are any festivals on the schedule, JazzFest, Mardi Gras season, and the French Quarter Festival will bring very heavy crowds. The weather in New Orleans is hot and humid during most of the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Wear very good walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.

8. LISTEN TO HONKY-TONK MUSIC IN NASHVILLE

Home of the Country Music Hall Of Fame, there are tons of bars, restaurants, and venues to hear lots of good honky-tonk music. The Johnny Cash Museum opened in 2013 to honor the life and music of country superstar. Spend the day looking at the world’s largest collection of Cash memorabilia. Legendary music star, Elvis Presley is known to have recorded 200+ songs at RCA Studio B, which is also available to tour.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The weather is pleasant and the sites aren’t as crowded in the Spring and Fall months. Summer months can bring high temperatures and muggy weather.

9. SPEND THE DAY AT A THEME PARK

From Walt Disney World, Disneyland, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, there are plenty of theme parks to choose from in the US. Movie lovers will enjoy Universal Studios and can gain insight into movie making. Disneyworld has multiple parks, from around the world activities in Epcot to great rides at the Magic Kingdom and has so much to see that visitors usually spend multiple days exploring. Depending on your location and interests, there is a theme park for you.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Each park has its own calendar of busy days, so be sure to research ahead of time. Rule of thumb, weekends, holidays, and Summer are the busiest times.

10. GO TO A SHOW IN LAS VEGAS

The Las Vegas strip is full of sensory overload sites and attractions. From roller coasters, huge dancing fountains, sky-high towers, and fancy resorts you can see something new every time you walk around. Live shows are a popular thing to do in Las Vegas and there are performances for every type of interest. From magic to dancing, to circus and music, there are tons of world-famous performers who have graced the stage.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Get your tickets ahead of time because most of the shows sell out quickly.
  • Check the age restrictions on performances to make sure your whole group can attend.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The USA is a beautiful place to visit. Its sprawling geography is vast and varied and there’s nothing more american than a road trip around the US. From the flatlands in the southeast to the ice caps in Alaska, there’s a little bit of everything here for everyone. Because the weather from one place to another is so different, you’ll need to know the best time to visit for the area you’re going.

Quick Facts

  • The USA is separate into six main regions: Northeast, Southwest, Midwest, Southwest, West, and Northwest.
  • Each region has climate that is different from each other and it’s important to know where you’ll be visiting to better your expectations.

NORTHEAST REGION
The Northeast region of the United States consists of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The average temperature during the Summer is 69F and about 20F during the Winter. This area gets four distinct seasons every year. One of the most pleasant times to visit is during the Fall when the leaves are turning colors and the weather is cool and accommodating.

SOUTHEAST REGION
The Southeast region of the United States consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, & Virginia. Average highs during the Summer are solidly in the 90s while during the Winter you can expect average temperatures of 60s. One of the best times to visit this area is during the Winter, when it’s nice and sunny during the day but it’s not too hot. The nighttime temperatures feel nice and just right as you layer up.

MIDWEST REGION
The Midwest region of the United States consists of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Temperatures here tend to fluctuate drastically. Average Winter highs here are in the 20s and 70s in the Summer. This is also known to be quite windy with conditions ranging from high to extreme.

SOUTHWEST REGION
The Southwest region of the United States consists of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Summers in the south are hot and humid. Average temperatures can reach up to over 100F. Winters cool off slightly at about 60F with the rare 30F or 40F cold front.

WEST REGION
The West region of the United States consists of California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The West is primarily made up of desert and desert Summers can be very hot, up to the 100s. Winters are nice and cool, averaging about 50s. The weather here is mostly temperate and not too unpredictable.

NORTHWEST REGION
The Northwest Region of the United States consists of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. This is the wettest region of the US with the states getting the most rainfall. Winters are cold and wet and Summers are very pleasant. Average temperatures are in the 70F high and 50F low during the Summer. During the Winter, the highs average about 40F and 30F low.

Review: A Week In… Portugal With Tauck

Portugal with Tauck
By: Maya Keith, CTA & Senior Travel Consultant

Portugal has always been on my bucket list for a very long time for its unique mix of old-world traditions – rich history, some of the best Portuguese cuisines and port wines from Duoro valley, historic monasteries, Douro River, palaces and castles. I could not have picked any other company to travel with than Tauck Tours. Tauck is one of the most luxurious company out there that is all inclusive, stays at 5 star boutique hotels, luxurious stops on trips, out of this world cuisines, excellent service, no extra cost on any optional excursions and my favorite slow paced tour that caters mainly to seniors. I can tell you that I am nowhere close to being a senior but it was nice to be treated like a VIP on a Tauck tour. Portugal with Tauck really delivered above and beyond my expectations.

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Italy Travel Guide- working

Italy Tours Highlights

  • Step back in time at the Colosseum.
  • Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.
  • Take a picture with the Leaning Tower Of Pisa.
  • Take a Gondola ride in Venice.
  • Cruise the Amalfi Coast.
  • Visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
  • See countless works of art like the David, The Last Supper, and the Mona Lisa.
  • Take a rowboat tour though the Blue Grotto in Capri.
  • People watch in St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
  • Drink wine in Tuscany.
  • Walk around the Cinque Terre.
  • Admire the architecture of the Duomo di Milano.
  • Relax in the Italian Lake District.

Italy Travel Tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for cobbled streets and lots of stairs.
  • Hotel rooms are smaller than found in America, and there might not be an elevator.
  • Italy is very serious about their food. Plan to spend a lot of time eating meals, sometimes a few hours. It can be considered rude to rush. Some places will charge a per person cover charge.
  • Lots of restaurants and stores shut down for ‘riposo’ from about 1pm-4pm. Italians like to have a break in the middle of the day. Plan ahead if you were wanting to eat or shop during this time.
  • Cars in Italy are very small, and the roads are very narrow. Make sure your luggage will fit. Trains are a popular way to travel.
  • Visit famous sites early in the morning to beat the crowds.
  • Since Italy is a popular travel destination, keep your valuables close to you. Some people prefer to keep their cash, cards, and passport in a travel pouch under their clothes. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home and don’t accept any ‘free gifts’ from merchants.
  • Italians drink espresso at the end of meals, never during. Cappuccinos are only for breakfast.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ITALY

1. VISIT THE VATICAN AND SISTINE CHAPEL

The Vatican Museums located in the Vatican City in Rome offer a look at the immense art collection amassed by popes thought out the years. There are around 20,000 pieces of Roman sculptures and other mostly Renaissances masterpieces on display. Next door is the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was famously painted by Michelangelo. This is the site of the papal conclave, which is how they select a new pope. St. Peter’s Basilica is also next door and most visitors like to see all three sites.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are 2 of the most visited attractions in Italy and the world. First thing in the morning is your best bet. The line for both places can get very long, we suggest joining a tour that allows you to bypass the line and cut to the front.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • There is a strict dress code to enter the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Your knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • You can’t take pictures everywhere. In the Vatican, there are many places you can snap photos, but you can’t in the Sistine Chapel.
  • Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, they ask you to be respectful and not speak while inside.

2. THROW A COIN IN THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

Standing over 26 meters high, the Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and has appeared in several notable movies. The streets convene and mark the final point of Aqua Virgo, which was one of the earliest aqueducts in Rome. The name of the fountain translates to Three Street Fountain.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Travelers should see the fountain twice, once in the daylight and once at night. Both are spectacular. Crowds are hard to avoid but plan to visit right after sunrise for the best view.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Legend says, throw a coin over your left shoulder and you’ll return to Italy!
  • The money thrown in the fountain is donated to a Catholic charity.
  • The water is not safe to drink and you are not allowed to sit on the edge of the fountain or touch the water.

3. TAKE A PICTURE AT THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA

This free-standing bell tower is known for its 4 degree lean because of its unstable foundation. Built-in the 12th century, the lean got worse and by 1990, the tilt was nearly 6 degrees. Restoration work from 1993- 2001 reduced the tilt to a little less than 4 degrees. Located in Pisa, Italy, this one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Because the tower was declared stable for the next 200 years, you can still climb the 251 steps to the top of the tower.
  • The word Pisa is a Greek word meaning “marshy land.”

4. STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE COLOSSEUM

Construction of this huge oval amphitheater began in year 72 and was completed in 80. Holding up to 80,000 people, it was used for gladiatorial contests and was the largest built at the time. Sometimes, water was flooded into the arena so naval reenactments could be performed. In the area, there is a vast underground structure of tunnels, which is still visible today. It is located just east of the Roman Forum and is a very popular tourist destination.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Lots of people like to see it both at night and the day, to get a different experience. Either time you choose, we suggest going on a tour in order to skip the line. The Colosseum is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Since this is a top attraction, there are going to be crowds whenever you go. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time. Winter months might have somewhat fewer crowds, especially on non-holiday weekdays.

5. WALK AROUND CINQUE TERRE

Located on the northwest coast of Italy, Cinque Terre is made up of five villages and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five villages are also connected by numerous hiking trails, and this allows for easy travel between all of Cinque Terre. Just be sure to pack comfortable shoes, and a light backpack for the scenic walks in each village.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • There is no car access once you are inside the five villages. Don’t be alarmed, there is a local train called The Cinque Terre Express, that runs from La Spezia through the coast and the boarding pass is only a few Euros.

6. ADMIRE THE DUOMO DI MILANO

The Milan Cathedral is located in Milan and is the largest church in Italy. It took nearly 6 centuries to complete. Full of beautiful colorful stained glass windows and a huge marble staircase, it houses the second largest organ in all of Europe. For a great view of the city, climb to the roof to admire the magnificent buildings surrounding the cathedral and the Pizza del Duomo below.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

This top attraction will be crowded, so make sure you go with a tour group or buy your tickets ahead of time. For beautiful colors, we suggest going right before sundown. If it is a clear sunny day, you might be able to see the Alps.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Like other Italian churches, you must have shoulders and knees covered. Bring a light scarf to wear as a shawl during the summer months.

7. TAKE A ROWBOAT THROUGH THE BLUE GROTTO

The Blue Grotto is located on the island of Capri. It is a beautiful sea cave that sunlight passes through and creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavity. The sight is breathtaking and this crystal clear water attraction is one of Capri’s most famous places.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

The Blue Grotto is usually closed during the winter and can also close at the last minute due to weather conditions. Summer months are peak tourist season, so the wait times won’t be as long in the Spring and Fall. No matter what time of the year you go, aim to get to the Grotto between noon and 2pm because the reflections are the strongest. If it is an overcast day, we suggest saving the Blue Grotto for a sunny day on your trip. Keep in mind that you might have to wait for your turn to enter.

8. TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE IN VENICE

Riding a gondola is one of the top activities in all of Italy. This traditional form of transportation is the best way to get around the 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. As you glide down the canals in Venice, the gondolier will sing to you in Italian to really set the mood.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The Grand Canal is the most popular spot for gondola rides.
  • A gondola ride can be just as beautiful at night.

9. EXPLORE THE RUINS OF POMPEII

One of the most famous volcano eruptions, Mount Vesuvius exploded in year 79 and covered the small town of Pompeii. You can explore the archaeological ruins for an inside look into the history and how they lived their day to day life. Pompeii is located 14 miles from Naples, south of Mount Vesuvius. A walking tour is the best way to see this very well preserved ancient town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

The winter and spring will have the least amount of crowds. Holiday weekends will bring out more travelers than usual.

10. EAT WONDERFUL ITALIAN FOOD

Travel to the place where pizza was born and dine on an authentic pie. Neapolitan pizza usually just consists of crust, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes. Pasta is also a dish all travelers must try. From hearty lasagna to creamy risotto, you won’t leave Italy hungry. Let’s not forget about another important aspect of an Italian meal, the wine! Tuscany produces some of the world’s best wine and it’s great to pair with any Italian meal.

  • Italians like to have a break in the middle of the day so lots of restaurants shut down for ‘riposo’ from about 1pm-4pm.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ITALY

The best time to visit Italy is anytime. With so much to see, do, eat, and hear, there is somewhere for everyone throughout the year. But, depending on where and what region you’re visiting, you can definitely optimize your experience based on what you’re looking for.

Quick Facts

  • The most popular time to visit is during the Summer – the weather is warm but the crowds are big.
  • The quietest time to visit is during the winter months.
  • Ski birds will want to visit from December to March.

Spring – March to May – Good Season

The average high in Rome during this time is 62F and the average low is 40F. It’s still a little cold for most crowds but this is an optimal time to do exactly what you want in the central and southern regions like Rome or Naples.

Summer – June to August – High Season

The average high in Rome in the summer is 83F and the average low is 58F. You’ll notice it can get a little chilly at night so you’ll want to bring layers. Summer is the peak season so you’ll see a lot of big crowds and long lines. However, if you’re traveling with one of our travel partners, you won’t have to worry as your dedicated travel director will have tickets to the most popular attractions and you’ll be able to skip the line in most cases (inclusions are itinerary specific).

Fall – September to November – Good Season

The average high in the capital city is 82F and 58F low. Fall is a great time to visit as the crowds are starting to thin and you’ll get more of the city to yourself. Popular attractions won’t be as crowded and waits won’t be too long. It does rain a bit more in the Fall so you’ll want to be ready with an umbrella or poncho.

Winter – December to February – Low Season

The average high in Rome during the Winter is 56F and 38F low. The only people here during this time are skiers looking to hit the slopes in the Italian Alps. It’s cold and often wet, and most major attractions close early or are on short winter hours. Although the crowds tend to be really low during this time, the Christmas markets tend to be really popular and draw crowds.

Review: Greek Island Hopper With Trafalgar

By: Vivian Vo, Travel Consultant

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.

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Croatia Travel Guide

CROATIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Go chasing waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National park.
  • Explore King’s Landing in Dubrovnik’s old town.
  • Walk the old town walls.
  • Explore another famous Game of Thrones filming location at the Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
  • Get lost in narrow alleys in a palace complex.
  • Sail the beautiful Adriatic Sea and island-hop.
  • Listen to the Sea Organ in Zadar and watch a light show at the Sun Salutation.

CROATIA VACATION TIPS

  • Croatia uses its own currency called Kuna.
  • Try to find restaurants that locals love and eat local!
  • If you have extra free time, busses, trains, and boats are a great way to travel. Taxis are expensive!
  • Nature buffs will love Croatia and should enjoy the vast outdoor scenery and hikes.
  • As a region famous for its natural sites, try to be mindful of your environmental impact – don’t leave trash around and stick to the hiking paths when out on trails.
  • Try to learn some of the local language, the locals will surely appreciate it!

THINGS TO DO CROATIA

1. PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Take 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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

2. DUBROVNIK WALLS

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.

3. OLD TOWN – DUBROVNIK

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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

4. SRD MOUNTAIN – DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR

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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

5. ZADAR SEA ORGAN

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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

6. SUN SALUTATION

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.

7. KRKA NATIONAL PARK

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.

8. DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE

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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.

9. KLIS FORTRESS

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.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Our last Game of Thrones reference, fans will be delighted to know Klis fortress served as the setting of Mereen in the show.

10. ISLAND HOPPING

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.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

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

  • Late Spring and Summer are the best times to visit.
  • The high season is during the Summer when crowds are at its peak.
  • Low season begins in October until April.
  • High season not only brings crowds, but prices reflect the demand.

1. Spring – May to June – Good Season

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.

2. Summer – July to August – High Season

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.

3. Fall/Winter – October to April – Low Season

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.