The start of a new year typically comes with a list of goals, plans, and dreams that you want to achieve. For many people, one of the things that pop up on their to-do lists is to do some travelling. If this sounds familiar and is something that you want to be able to do in 2019, then Europe may be the destination you have your eye on.
Saying you want to visit “Europe” doesn’t really narrow down the list much, so to help you out we’ve put together a list of five European countries well worth visiting
Let’s take a closer look.
Ireland
Photo by Steven Hylands from Pexels
For many people, visiting Ireland isn’t just an intriguing place in Europe, it’s a bucket list kind of trip that takes you to a magical and absolutely stunning country. Known for its natural beauty and castles galore, there is plenty to do and see in Ireland. It’s for that exact reason that you may want to book a guided tour through a company such as Go Irish Tours. They offer a wide array of vacation packages and tours that will ensure that you see all the very best that Ireland has to offer. You can also tie it in with a visit to the UK and Scotland if you choose.
Italy
Photo by Anastasiya Lobanovskaya from Pexels
Of course, you can’t create a list of must-visit European countries without including Italy. The country has so many noteworthy cities and towns – in fact, one visit to Italy isn’t usually enough. Standout places to tour in Italy include Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Lake Como. You can opt for a bustling metropolitan city-style vacation, or something more laid back and relaxed where the scenery and architecture is the real star of the holiday.
Austria
architecture Austria building church
Here’s a country that doesn’t always get the buzz it deserves, and can prove to be a traveller’s paradise. While many are familiar with Austrian’s most popular city of Vienna, there is so much more to the country. Austria is well-known for its unbelievable ski hills, spas, architecture, palaces, churches, castles, shopping, markets, entertainment, and dining. You can easily spend an entire vacation in the city, or make it a stop on a European tour.
Croatia
Croatia city Rovinj port
Here’s another European country that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. For anyone who has ever travelled to Croatia before, they will be the first to gush about just how spectacular it is. If you happen to be a beach-type of person, Croatia offers some of the most awe-inspiring shorelines there is. With that said, you can easily combine a classic beach-style holiday with European flair, history, and culture, making this a really unique destination.
Norway
cold snow sea landscape Photo by monicore from Pexels
For those who simply want to get away from it all, feel as though you have taken a step back in time, and really left all the stress and worries behind, then Norway can act as the perfect sanctuary. It’s here where you will find glaciers, rugged mountains that run the length of the coastline, massive fjords, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Because Norway is located within the Arctic Circle, you will also get to experience the Midnight Sun.
No matter which of these countries you choose to explore in 2019, one thing is for sure and that is the fact that you will be building memories that last a lifetime.
Croatia Is A Stunning European Destination You Can Visit For The Price Of An Asian Country
Croatia is a stunning eastern-European country, which has been around for only 25 years. Yes! A young country, thriving on tourism, Croatia needs to be on your bucket list.
On one side it is bordered by a long coastline, and the other it is dotted by the Dinaric Alps! Historic cities, picturesque coastal towns, unspoilt nature and pristine beaches are some of the attractions that has put Croatia on the tourism map. The vibrant inland city of Zagreb has the country’s best museums, galleries and bucket-list worthy restaurants. And the coastal city of Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most glamorous city, that is centred around an old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters and picturesque villages rich in history, Croatia is a country that you just can’t miss. If you imagine your vacations to be spent sipping cocktails on the beach and enjoying the waves of the sea, Croatia is the place for you. If you want to marvel at European architecture and get lost in old historical cities, Croatia is the place for you. If you wanna just soak in the thriving culture and taste exquisite cuisines, Croatia is a must-visit. And if you want to walk the lanes where Game of Thrones was shot, well, Croatia it is for you.
>> How to reach
From New Delhi you can fly to Zagreb, the capital or Dubrovnik.
New Delhi to Zagreb – You may check exact prices here
>>> Visa
Croatia is not part of the Schengen countries and therefore you can’t visit it on a regular single entry Schengen visa. However, if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can visit the country. You can apply for a visa to Croatia from VFS Global here.
The following is an itinerary to follow for your 9 day duration in Croatia
DAY 1
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital is an underrated destination waiting to be explored. It is not as popular as Dubrovnik or Split, but is a quintessential metropolitan city combining elegant 19th century buildings with plenty of cultural divisions and a vibrant cafe life. It is a great place to discover charming boutiques selling unique dresses, shopping for souvenirs, and tasting local delicacies. It is also a good place to visit undulating hills and charming villages nearby.
Zagreb skyline Image credit – Ivan Antolic
What to see
1. Start you day at the main city square and check out the Ban Josip Jelačić Statue and fountain.
2. Visit the Antiques and Flea Market on the Britanac Square and pick up cheap vintage accessories, books, clothes or pottery.
3. Visit the Museum of Illusions and the Museum of Broken Relationships, both unique and original museums that will test your perceptions about things.
4. Take the Funicular Railway to the Upper Town, and visit the Lotrscak Tower, where everyday at noon a cannon is fired to commemorate Zagreb’s victory over the Turks.
5. While still at the Upper Town, visit the Dolac Market, the best place to buy fresh fruits, local flowers and souvenirs.
6. For a fun night, visit Lemon Bar, in the centre of town or Katran, a club which has four dance floors.
Some tips
1. Use public transportation, it’s cheap and efficient. If you are stuck somewhere and don’t know how to go about using public transport, there is Uber and Cammeo Taxi that you can use.
2. Euro is not widely accepted in Croatia, so get it converted before you venture out.
Credits- Kristina
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Bus & Metro): Rs. 476 (47 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1000 (95 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 1500 (150 Croatian Kuna).
On day 2, you can either drive down to Plitvice National Park or take a public bus (one way ticket will cost around 9-10 Euros).
Credits- Good Free photos
The collection of lakes and waterfalls in Croatia’s most popular national park are a marvel to see. The 16 crystalline lakes that fall into each other via a series of waterfalls is a sight that draws many visitors every year. You can either see this park on your way to Dubrovnik, if you are driving down, or can go visit it as a full day tour from Zagreb. It takes a minimum of four hours to fully see and experience this beautiful place.
Image credits Dormidon
On the morning of day 3, you can either take a short flight, about an hour-long, to Dubrovnik (one way will cost you around 75 Euros) or take a bus, that will take around nine hours, to Dubrovnik (one way will cost you around 30 Euros).
Day 3 to Day 7
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a unique and bewitching coastal town that has become the crowning glory of Croatia in recent years. The city is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the place where parts of super popular TV show Game Of Thrones are shot. However, it’s not just a famous shooting location; Dubrovnik has much more to offer. It is a glittering jewel in the Adriatic Sea bordering Croatia and it holds the power to leave you asking for more. The city’s white limestone streets, buildings from the Baroque era and the shimmering Adriatic Sea will leave you mesmerised.
One can spend a week, a month or even a year here and not get tired of this city, but for those who are on a tight budget, dedicate at least three days to see this city.
What to see
1. Walk along the Old City, Dubrovnik’s best feature. It is the perfect place for a casual stroll to enjoy excellent views over the Adriatic Sea and the Old City centre.
2. Walk on Stradun Street, the most famous street within the Old City. It is lined with shopping stalls and cafes on both sides and a great place to grab a cup of coffee and just relax.
3. Don’t miss out on Walking The Walls, a great architectural site in the city, and also the place where Game Of Thrones is shot.
4. Take a cable car ride to Srđ Hill for the most amazing aerial views of the city.
5. Visit Fort Lovrijenac, dubbed as ‘Croatia’s Gibraltar’, and Croatia’s most prominent fortress.
6. Visit the beautiful Dominican and Franciscan monasteries.
7. Spend a day visiting the Elaphite Islands surrounding Dubrovnik.
8. Take a Game Of Thrones tour and visit all the spots where the show is shot.
credit Dennis Jarvis
Some tips
1. Prices around Old Town are really high, so try and negotiate and go in a large group rather than alone.
2. Public transport in Dubrovnik is also cheap and efficient.
3. You can reach the top of Srđ Hill by taxi as well, if the line to the cable car is too long.
credit Jennifer Boyer
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Bus & Metro): Rs. 500 (50 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 4500 (450 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1500 (150 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna).
On the morning of day 7, leave for Split. The best and easiest way to reach Split is by bus. It will take around five hours by road and cost around 22 Euros one way.
Day 8 and 9
Split
The remains of Diocletian’s Palace in Split is the heart of the city. A main getaway to the south Dalmatian islands, Split in itself is a city that you must stop and explore. Always buzzing, always alive, this city is a perfect example of a seamless blend of old and new; and this blend is clearly shown by bars, restaurants and shop hidden in between ancient columns, temples, walls.
What to see
1. Start your day by visiting Diocletian’s Palace, the ancient Roman ruin that was built-in 305 AD.
2. Cathedral of St. Domnius is recognised as the oldest cathedral in Croatia and one of the most well-preserved Roman buildings in Split. Visit this cathedral and then climb the bell tower for the most beautiful panoramic view of the city.
3. Visit the Riva Waterfront and promenade for some relaxing time and to pick up souvenirs. This is the place to try delicious ice creams and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while staring at jewelled waters.
4. Climb up the Marjan Hill for some amazing views of surrounding islands on one side and imposing mountains on the other.
5. After that tiring climb up and down the hill, relax at Bačvice Beach and spend the evening enjoying the sunset.
6. For a fun night out, check out Ghetto Bar, famous for its delicious cocktails or just chill at the Bačvice Beach shacks with a pint of beer or two.
Some tips
1. Almost every bar and coffee-house has free wi-fi. The passwords are generally written on the receipts, but if you don’t get one, ask the waiter and he/she will happily provide you with one.
2. Public transport is almost non-existent, but the cabs here are cheaper compared to the rest of the country, Uber being the cheapest option.
credit Maria Michelle
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Buses): Rs. 1000 (90 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 4000 (400 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1400 (140 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna).
For travelers seeking an active holiday visit the islands and national parks of Croatia for exhilarating outdoor experiences. You may like to read more about Most Popular Adventurous Activities in Croatia.
