Trogir and Zadar

 It was another early morning as we had to leave at 8:00 am. It was time to SPLIT! 🤣. We drove a short distance to Trogir which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.  Encased in 15th-century walls, the tiny medieval streets wind through the enchanting town revealing hidden restaurants and eye-catching galleries. A wide seaside promenade snakes around the town, culminating in a charming port full of sailboats.   Tamara led us on a short walking tour and then we had 1.5 hours of free time. 

We continued to drive along the coast with beautiful vistas around every corner. I never get tired of looking at the numerous sailboats dotting the blue sea. 

Our next stop was Zadar,  the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is another fortified city that is on 

UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.

We were greeted by our local guide, Marina, and taken on a 1.5 hour walking tour. We began along the seaside where we saw the “Greeting to the Sun” which is a colourful light show shining up from the pavement at night. Then we walked over to see and listen to the famous Sea Organ. This unique creation is a series of tubes built into the sea wall that create music as the waves wash against it. 

Then we moved into the the old walled city to hear about and see the Church of St. Donatus – a monumental round building from the 9th century in pre-Romanesque style and St. Anastasia's Cathedral basilica in Romanesque style built in the 12th to 13th century.  

During our free time we had time for lunch and to wander through the narrow streets or walk along the seaside promenade. We definitely could have used more time!

We left Zadar at 4:00 and said goodbye to the coast as we headed up into the mountains. We passed through many tunnels.

We travelled to the Plitvice Lakes National Park and checked into our hotel around 6:30.  Since this hotel is in the park, it is only a 3 star hotel.  We realized just how spoiled we have been up until now but the hotel was adequate.  We were on our own for dinner so most people either just had snacks and drinks or a bite to eat at the restaurant.